Arsenal news: Aaron Ramsey reveals why he rejected Manchester United and went with Arsène Wenger

The Wales international is likely to be named among the substitutes for Saturday's trip to Old Trafford

Mark Critchley
Friday 18 November 2016 13:39 GMT
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Ramsey was impressed after Wenger rolled out the red-carpet treatment
Ramsey was impressed after Wenger rolled out the red-carpet treatment (Getty)

Aaron Ramsey has the reasoning behind his decision to join Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal over Manchester United as a youngster.

The Wales international faced a choice between the two clubs and Everton at the age of 17 while on the books at Cardiff City.

Sir Alex Ferguson, then United’s manager, had inquired about Ramsey’s availability with his Cardiff counterpart Dave Jones, while Jones’ assistant Terry Burton recommended the youngster to Arsenal.

Despite growing up as a United fan, Ramsey ultimately opted for north London and he has now cited Wenger’s red-carpet treatment as one of the reasons behind his decision.

“I went up there to see the facilities and I went to see Arsène Wenger,” he told Sky Sports. “He did a lot to try and get me to this club.

“As a 17-year-old, flying out on a private jet to his hotel [in Switzerland for Euro 2008] was surreal but I think I made the right decision.


“I just felt a bit more wanted by Arsenal and by the boss,” he added.

Ramsey could feature in Arsenal’s tip to Old Trafford on Saturday, but may have to make do with a place among the substitutes having only recently returned from injury.

The 25-year-old midfielder limped off with a hamstring problem during Arsenal’s opening game of the season, a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool, and admits he found his spell on the sidelines frustrating.

“After the Euros I had, I was desperate to get back and carry that on,” said Ramsey, who was included in Uefa’s Euro 2016 ‘Team of the Tournament’ after impressing with Wales.

“Then to get an injury in the first game and a few setbacks after that - it's been so frustrating.

“It's one of those things, you can't get too down, you just have to get on with it. Luckily the team have been doing well, now we just have to keep that going.”

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