Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

ARSENE WENGER offered his congratulations to Manchester United, but warned the Barclays Premier League champions that Arsenal will offer a much sterner test next term.

The Gunners were never really in the hunt this time around after a series of early-season disappointments, including a home defeat by Hull and an away loss at Stoke.

Yet, with they exception of last week's home hammering by Chelsea, when Arsenal were still suffering their Champions League hangover after a semi-final exit to Sir Alex Ferguson's men, the Londoners have remained unbeaten since that loss at the Britannia Stadium.

A 0-0 draw at Old Trafford yesterday was not enough to stop United claiming their 18th championship, but it did signal further improvement from Arsenal, with Wenger believing they can reproduce that form next year.

"Deep down I wish it was us not Manchester United," he said of the title party going on within earshot.

"But that is sport. They were the better team this year, so congratulations to them.

"We have to make sure that it is on our side next year"

"We have to make sure that it is on our side next year.

"Things can change quickly but what we have seen today shows we have the quality to be up there. We have to keep believing in these players and work hard.

"They have learned a lot this year."

So committed to the Arsenal cause is Wenger that he is believed to have turned down the chance to coach Bayern Munich before Louis van Gaal was appointed at the Allianz Arena this week.

Wenger refused to answer directly when asked about the issue, preferring instead to focus on Arsenal's exploits in a season he does not feel was quite the disaster many made it out to be.

"We were not that far off," he said. "Since November we have lost one game and that was after the disappointment of losing to Manchester United in the Champions League.

"We were close in the Champions League and close in the FA Cup and have been remarkably consistent since November.

"At the moment the team is not getting the credit it deserves but it is down to us to come back next year and show the same consistency."