United lined up Van Gaal

Dutch coach agreed to replace Ferguson before retirement U-turn

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 11th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

United lined up Van Gaal

Van Gaal: Held talks

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Louis van Gaal has revealed that he was all set to replace Sir Alex Ferguson in 2002 until the Manchester United boss had a change of heart.

Ferguson had announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2001/02 campaign and the Red Devils quickly set about lining up a replacement.

Van Gaal had established a glowing reputation from his days at Ajax and Barcelona, and was in charge of the Dutch national side when United came calling.

He admits he held talks with Peter Kenyon - then United's chief executive - about the prospect of taking the reins at Old Trafford, and agreed in principle on a deal to join the Premier League giants.

However, Ferguson staged a spectacular U-turn on his retirement plans and remains in charge of the Red Devils to this day.

"It was before the World Cup of 2002," said now Bayern Munich boss Van Gaal.

"I was in contact with Manchester United through Peter Kenyon.

"It was said to me that Alex Ferguson was going to retire.

"The moment he'd go, I'd succeed him. But in the end Ferguson didn't want to quit."