Manchester United held talks with Arsene Wenger over Alex Ferguson succession

Manchester United seriously considered appointing Arsene Wenger as Alex Ferguson’s successor before the Frenchman decided to remain at Arsenal, former chairman Martin Edwards has revealed.

Ferguson was expected to retire at the end of the 2001/02 season, prompting Manchester United’s board to begin planning for life after the manager who had already delivered seven league titles for the club.

Wenger emerged as the preferred candidate. Edwards and then-chief executive Peter Kenyon held several meetings with the Arsenal manager, including discussions at his home in London and in Paris.

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The possibility of persuading Wenger to leave Arsenal was considered particularly seriously at Christmas, when both Manchester United and Arsenal were six points behind Newcastle in the league. Since arriving at Arsenal in 1996, Wenger had developed into Ferguson’s principal rival in domestic football.

Edwards told The Sun: “We first met him at his home in London, and then again in Paris. He showed interest but ultimately told us he had decided to stay at Arsenal.”

Wenger’s decision was influenced by his close relationship with Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, according to Edwards. Manchester United subsequently turned their attention to Sven-Goran Eriksson, with Kenyon leading the proposed negotiations and receiving the board’s backing.

However, Ferguson changed his mind before a deal with Eriksson was completed.

Edwards said: “While they were negotiating with Sven, Alex changed his mind. He informed the board, and everyone was, of course, delighted. The deal was very close to being finalized at that point.”

Ferguson was persuaded to continue in the job by his wife, Cathy. He then signed a new three-year contract and remained Manchester United manager for a further 11 years, eventually retiring in 2013.

Wenger’s Arsenal won the league title that season by beating Manchester United 1-0 in the penultimate game of the campaign. They completed the double by defeating Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

Ferguson went on to guide Manchester United to six more Premier League titles. He also won his second Champions League title with the club in 2008.