Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey explains why he snubbed Manchester United move

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has no regrets over signing for the Gunners instead of Manchester United in 2008. The Wales international had the option of joining either of the Premier League giants after making the breakthrough at Cardiff City, but Ramsey has revealed Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was the decisive factor behind his decision.

Ramsey, then 17, helped Cardiff to the FA Cup Final during the 2007-08 season, and although they ultimately lost to Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth, it was clear that the young midfielder was destined for bigger things.

United and Arsenal both reached an agreement with Cardiff to sign the player, but Ramsey – who was a childhood Red Devils fan – headed to North London. At the time, United were the Premier League and European champions, yet Ramsey has no regrets over his choice.

"I had to make a decision at the time," Ramsey told Arsenal's official website. "I flew over to see the boss and I knew straight away that this was where I wanted to be, I wanted to be in his plans and I was just buzzing."

United's failure to sign Ramsey was magnified by the Old Trafford club announcing they had reached an agreement with Cardiff over a fee for the player. A spokesperson for United said at the time: "Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms with Cardiff City for the transfer of Aaron Ramsey subject to contract terms being agreed and the player passing a medical."

Ramsey has subsequently established himself as a key figure in Wenger's Arsenal side, playing a significant role in their back-to-back FA Cup successes in 2013-14 and 2014-15.