ARSENE Wenger has told Sir Alex Ferguson he could never persuade Thierry Henry to join United.

The Arsenal manager is convinced Henry would only ever return to the Gunners if he came back to the Premier League.

Ferguson was preparing a move for the French striker if he failed with his first-choice target Dimitar Berbatov.

But with the Bulgarian set to arrive at Old Trafford in time for the United's opening game of the season against Newcastle on Sunday, Ferguson has now scrapped his interest in Henry.

Even still, Wenger is adamant the United manager would have been left disappointed if he'd tried to lure the 30-year-old to the Premier League and European champions.

"I don't believe Thierry Henry will come back to England," he said. "That is my gut feeling.

"But I think if he comes back to England then he comes back to Arsenal."

Henry was only ever a back-up option for Ferguson, who has chased Berbatov all summer.

The Barcelona striker, who has had a miserable time in Spain since moving to the Nou Camp a year ago, was one of a handful of alternatives that also included Ajax's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

But with Berbatov now on the verge of joining United in a deal worth around £28m, Ferguson can end his search for striking reinforcements and focus on other areas of his squad.

His failed attempt to land David Silva from Valencia in a £16m deal is evidence that he is prepared to further strengthen before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Another player he has been linked with is Ghanaian midfielder Anthony Annan.

Arsenal, Blackburn and Racing Santander are also interested in the 22-year-old who plays in Norway with Start.

He had a trial at Blackburn last week, but United are also believed to be monitoring him.

Ferguson revealed last month that he is disappointed with his failure to recruit more African players – an area in which Arsenal have excelled under Wenger.

Should he step up his persuit of Annan, it will leave him on another collision course with Wenger, who pipped United in the race for Cardiff winger Aaron Ramsey at the start of the summer.

Ferguson, however, has the upper in this instance with Annan revealing that a move to Old Trafford is his preferred option.

“I know that Racing Santander, Blackburn and Arsenal are interested,” he said. “I have not heard anything about the United interest myself. I let my agent manage this.

“United was my favourite club as a child. If I get the chance, it would be a dream for me.

“I cross my fingers that something will happen in the next days.”

Meanwhile there is further evidence of United's injury list easing with Park Ji Sung set to return to training next week.

The midfielder had to pull out of South Korea's Olympic squad after injuring his knee.

He said: “I need probably one more week, I'm nearly there. I'm looking forward to the season because last season I missed six months.

"I want to play more than last season and show my ability on the pitch. Then maybe I will get more chances."