The Belgian international, who signed a new deal at Stade Velodrome last month, also disclosed that Juventus and Bayern Munich spoke to him about a move away from Marseille.
United and Newcastle have been tracking the giant stopper for some time after he impressed for club and country last season.
The 25-year-old admitted he was tempted by the offers from the four clubs, but that Marseille would not let him leave.
Van Buyten's new deal will keep him at Marseille until the summer of 2007 and he only pledged his future to the club after being assured of their ambitions.
"Above all, it is the club which didn't want to let me leave," van Buyten told France Football.
"When I saw offers arriving from Manchester, Newcastle, Juventus and Bayern, I hesitated a little, because it was something for someone like me that came from a very small Belgium club.
"I could not believe such prestigious teams were interested in me. My father too asked me to think a lot.
"I accepted to stay having received guarantees about the team level for this season."
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