Arsene Wenger insists there is no reason to implement the Rooney Rule for the England job... provided all future managers are picked on merit

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Arsene Wenger is wary about the need to implement the Rooney Rule in the Premier League – provided all managers are picked on merit.

The Football Association announced on Tuesday that it would be bringing in its own version of the Rooney Rule this year, which was introduced to the NFL in 2003.

As part of the new process, the FA will interview at least one applicant from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background for future roles in the England set-up – including manager Gareth Southgate's successor.

Arsene Wenger is wary about the need to implement the Rooney Rule in the Premier League

However, Wenger is cautious about enforcing such a rule in the Premier League as he hopes it is the case that all managers are being hired on merit.

'I am bit reluctant to that,' said Wenger, when asked if he was in favour of the Rooney Rule being implemented across the Premier League.

'I like the fact that everybody has a chance no matter where he is from, that's absolutely fantastic.

'Should we have to force it? That proposes some questions. I think it should be natural.

'If it is not natural, maybe we have to implement it yes. I am not against it if it is really a problem, but normally it should just be all on merit.'

Research conducted by the Sports People's Think Tank in November of last year, however, revealed that just 22 of the 482 senior coaching roles in English football's top four divisions were held by those from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background.

Wenger believes the rule will not be necessary, providing all managers are picked on merit

Wenger is strongly against discrimination and wants every manager to be judged on their coaching credentials and not their background.

And the Arsenal manager admits that if it turns out people are being turned down for jobs based on their background then the Rooney Rule may have to be brought in by the Premier League.

'If that is not right then they have a point,' Wenger added.

'And if they feel that, we have to check if it is true. I am absolutely against any discrimination.

'That's why I say, it should just be on merit no matter where you are from and no matter who you are.'