LONDON - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said it was not a surprise that he blocked a loan move for right-back Mathieu Debuchy to Manchester United.
Wenger said it was "logical" not to help a direct rival that way after the right-back joined Bordeaux on loan instead.
Debuchy told a French TV channel this week he was disappointed that Wenger had not accepted a late offer from United.
Speaking at a news conference, the Gunners manager said he had blocked the move, adding: "I hope that's not surprising to you.
"You loan players out to clubs who don't have the resources, but not to direct opponents. It was nothing shocking in that, and it's true [that he blocked it], I stand up for that, yes. I find that logical."
Wenger said he was surprised United had even suggested the deal, but that he could "understand it" given their injury problems in defence.
