Arsenal’s PL Rivals Wanted Arsene Wenger
Football Soccer Britain – Hull City v Arsenal – Premier League – The Kingston Communications Stadium – 17/9/16
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger Action Images via Reuters / Lee Smith
According to an exclusive report on England-based media outlet Star Sport, Manchester United were interested in appointing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson in 2002.
Arsene Wenger had just completed 6 seasons at Arsenal, and Ferguson was managing Manchester United for over 10 seasons when by then.
Halfway through the 2001-2002 season, Ferguson’s Manchester United were 9th in the league table, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson planning to retire.
The Frenchman was the second best manager in the league back then, and according to the report on Star Sport, he reportedly turned down an offer from Manchester United.
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This happened before Sir Alex Ferguson reconsidered his decision to retire – a decision the Scot made with the help of his wife.
Sir Alex then went on to become the longest serving Manchester United manager, and a record-holding winner of 13 English Premier League titles.
In 1996, Wenger was named manager of Arsenal, and two years later, he led the Gunners to a League and FA Cup double. The club won another league and cup double in 2002, and retained the FA Cup a year later.
In 2004, Wenger managed Arsenal to an undefeated league season, a feat last accomplished by Preston North End 115 years ago. Arsenal later eclipsed Nottingham Forest’s record of 42 league matches unbeaten run, and went 7 more matches before losing after 49 games in October 2004, to none other than Sir Alex’s Manchester United.
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