Wenger 'sorry' for United drubbing

ARSENE WENGER has apologised to Arsenal's fans following yesterday's 8-2 humiliation at Manchester United.

The Red Devils ran riot as Wayne Rooney hit a hat-trick, Ashley Young bagged a brace and Ji-Sung Park, Danny Welbeck and Nani got one each.

It was the Gunners' biggest defeat since 1896, when Loughborough Town recorded an 8-0 victory.

And under-fire manager Wenger was quick to say sorry for his team's drubbing at Old Trafford.

He said: "I can only apologise for the score — it hurts very much.

"The fans were great and I feel sorry for them. They do not want to see their team like that.

"We can only apologise and come back in our strength and desire in the next game."

Wenger added: "The players go away for two weeks on international duty and maybe that is a good thing.

"When they come back we'll have to prepare. Big scores are humiliating and difficult to swallow but I don't think they have a special meaning. They are always under special circumstances."

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie admitted the Gunners were simply outplayed.

He said: "This was the strongest team we had today. We gave our maximum but it was clearly not good enough.

"I don't think we can hide behind injuries or suspensions. It is no excuse. They had injuries too, this is football."

And the Dutchman has demanded his team-mates produce the right reponse in their next league game — a home clash against Swansea on Sepetmber 10.

Van Persie said: "We need to come back. We have Swansea in two weeks, which is a good opponent and I look forward to that."