Wenger Defends Debuchy Decision

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he prevented full-back Mathieu Debuchy from joining Manchester United on loan.

Wenger added that it would require unusual circumstances for him to send a player out to a club he views as a rival.

France international Debuchy has fallen behind Hector Bellerin in the pecking order at right-back, prompting a loan bid from United, who have been hit by a string of defensive injuries, on the final day of the January transfer window.

However, to Debuchy's disappointment, he was denied the chance to head to Old Trafford, and ended up joining Bordeaux until the end of the campaign.

"You loan players out to clubs who do not have the resources, but not to direct opponents," Wenger explained.

"There was nothing shocking in that and it's true, I stand up for that.

"I was surprised. I can understand it (United trying to sign Debuchy) but I found it logical to block the loan."

Credit: Skysports.com