Chelsea chairman Ken Bates said today that Roman Abramovich considered buying into Manchester United but did not like the atmosphere at Old Trafford.
The Russian billionaire has invested heavily since taking over from Bates as the major shareholder at Chelsea earlier this summer.
Bates told BBC Radio Five Live: "He went to Old Trafford, liked the game but did not like the atmosphere. He did a survey of all 20 Premiership clubs and settled on a London club.
"We didn't have any ground problems and we finished fourth last season so we had a good platform from which to improve."
Bates also revealed that Abramovich is spending his money on Chelsea not as a business venture but as a hobby.
The Chelsea chairman said: "You've got a man who's in his 30s, he's immensely wealthy so if he wants to indulge himself in sport he can do.
"It is a hobby - his business is oil and aluminum but he wants to be a success at Chelsea and the omens are looking good."
PA