I THOUGHT I WOULD PARTNER STAM - BLANC

The former French international, who has struggled in his first few games for United since his move from Internazionale last month, claimed his move to The Red Devils did not depend on Stam's departure to Italy and that Sir Alex Ferguson had lined him to up to partner Stam in defence.

"Alex Ferguson asserted to me that my arrival was not linked to the Stam departure and his first idea was to play us together," Blanc told France Football.

The World Cup and European Championship winner admitted if Manchester United did not make a move for him that he would have been happy to stay at Inter for the rest of his career and he has special praise for Inter president Massimo Moratti in how he handled the deal.

"If Manchester hadn't shown an interest, I would have been happy to end my career at Internazionale," said Blanc.

"It's a club where I felt really good, But Manchester offered me wonderful challenges.

"I had to think very quickly. Everything was sorted out in one week. But this time everything was settled quickly thanks to Mr Moratti's intervention and understanding.

"I want to underline his behaviour, because he is a great figure. He had already done the same thing for Youri Djorkaeff when he wanted to rejoin Kasierslautern.

"He let me leave on a free and asked for no fee, despite the fact I had two years to run on my contract.

"Massimo Moratti didn't break with the image I had of him. He kept his word and I can only be grateful."

The 35-year-old admitted that he wants to repay Ferguson's faith in buying despite his age after a long chase which started when he nearly moved to Old Trafford when he was at Auxerre in 1996 only to join Barcelona instead.

"The first contact was when I was in Auxerre, exactly at the end of the 1995-1996 season," said Blanc. I reached the end of my contract and Manchester contacted me. But they did it too late as I had already signed for Barcelona.

"Unfortunately if I didn't sign so quickly at Barca, honestly I think I would have signed for Manchester. Moreover I had another great supporter in Eric Cantona at Manchester United who wished me to come.

"I often talked to him and Alex Ferguson on the phone.

"This time I want to prove Alex Ferguson was right to get me despite my age of 35 and a half. It is not so easy for a great club as Manchester United to sign a player of my age.

"Of course I want to stand out in the Champions League, but also national competitions. It would be insulting to Manchester United to neglect The Premiership, FA Cup and League Cup.

The former Marseille ace also admitted that United will have to be on their guard when they face Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"Of course I know this team and even moreso since they beat Parma," said Blanc. "At this time I was still in Italy, and this victory caused quite a stir. So we have to be very cautious.

"Contrary to Parma, we will take them very seriously."