NO FOOL: Arsene Wenger had no desire to strengthen United's squad

Louis van Gaal made an ambitious approach for Debuchy after losing a number of full-backs to injury.

Debuchy was "disappointed" by Wenger's decision to turn down United's bid but the Gunners boss insists it would have been foolish to help out a rival.

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“I hope that’s not surprising to you,” Wenger said. “It’s true. I stand up for that. There was nothing shocking in that.

“If Man United wants to buy a player‚ you loan players out to clubs who do not have the resources but not to direct opponents. I was surprised, yes [that United tried]. I can understand it but I found it logical [to block the loan].”

To make matters worse for Van Gaal, he has since lost two more full-backs - Matteo Darmian and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson - to injury.

Debuchy, who ended up at Bordeaux on loan, made just two league appearances before his departure.

The France international wants regular minutes to secure a place in their Euro 2016 squad but admits he was tempted by United.

He said: "If I had the chance to go to Manchester United it would have been magnificent."