Speaking candidly on Friday morning, Arsène Wenger confirmed Mathieu Debuchy’s claims that the manager blocked a deadline day move for the defender.

Suffering from an injury crisis of sorts, United came in for Debuchy at the end of the window but Wenger absolutely refused to do business with them, especially as they were only interested in a loan deal.

“I hope that’s not surprising to you,” the Arsenal manager told the media. “You loan players out to clubs who have not the resources, not to direct opponents and it’s true I signed up (to reject the offer).”

Asked if the bid surprised him, the Arsenal manager said:

“I was surprised by the move but I can understand it, I found that logical.”

Arsenal play Manchester United in just over a week but Debuchy wouldn’t have been allowed to play in the match even had the deal gone through. Nonetheless, Louis van Gaal’s side are direct rivals and it would make little sense to do them a favour.

Speaking about the blocked move, Debuchy admitted he was disappointed and would have loved the chance to go to Manchester.

“Yes, at the end of the transfer window they came in,” the right-back said. “They contacted my agents. I was disappointed, obviously. If I had the chance to go to Manchester United it would have been magnificent.

“Unfortunately it wasn’t the case. I discussed it with the coach too, who said that obviously he couldn’t help out a rival.”

No wonder Arsenal didn’t do business, and you can’t blame the club. Debuchy went out on loan to Bordeaux instead, where he has struggled badly, and Manchester United have suffered even more injuries at the back.

Looks like Arsène was the only winner.