Debuchy: Move to United was blocked

Cape Town - Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy has claimed that he was denied the chance to join Manchester United on loan.

The full-back joined Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux on loan until the end of the season on deadline day after finding his path into the Arsenal starting line-up blocked by Hector Bellerin.

The France international is believed to have captured the attention of a number of suitors in the January transfer window, one of whom he has asserted was the Red Devils. However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger would not sanction a move to Old Trafford.

"Yes, at the end of the transfer window they came in," Debuchy told French television channel Canal . "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.

"Yes, I'm a little bit annoyed with him. It's his choice."

The 30-year-old, who joined Arsenal from Newcastle ahead of the 2014/15 season, made just seven appearances for the Gunners in the current campaign after falling behind Bellerin in the pecking order.

While Debuchy admits that the young Spaniard is a classy performer, he believes that he deserved a chance to reclaim his starting berth after an injury-hit first season.

"Yes, he's good," he said. "I can't deny it, that's sure, but I thought I could also fit in as a starter. But that's the way it is."