According to The Sun, former Manchester United chairman Martin Edwards revealed that Manchester United seriously considered hiring Arsene Wenger to succeed the retiring Alex Ferguson, but Wenger ultimately chose to stay at Arsenal.

As Ferguson's retirement drew closer at the end of the 2001/02 season, Manchester United began searching for a successor to the legendary manager. The Manchester United board decided to pursue Wenger, and Edwards, along with then-CEO Peter Kenyon, met with Wenger multiple times.

At Christmas, both Manchester United and Arsenal were six points behind Newcastle, and Manchester United's hierarchy seriously considered luring Wenger away from Arsenal. Since taking charge of Arsenal in 1996, Wenger had become Ferguson's main rival in domestic competitions.

Edwards said: "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 refusal of the Manchester United opportunity was linked to his strong relationship with Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein. Afterward, Kenyon wanted to open negotiations with Sven-Göran Eriksson, and the board supported this arrangement.

Edwards stated: "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 had already won seven league titles for Manchester United, and he decided to continue coaching after being persuaded by his wife, Cathy. Ferguson then signed a new three-year contract and managed Manchester United for another 11 years until finally retiring in 2013.

Arsenal won the league title that season by beating Manchester United 1-0 in their second-to-last game, and then completed the double by defeating Chelsea in the FA Cup final. Ferguson went on to win six more Premier League titles for Manchester United and secured his second Champions League title in 2008.

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