LONDON: Sir Alex Ferguson has explained how he was turned down an offer from Roman Abramovich to become Chelsea manager.

In an hour-long interview on United States television station PBS, the Scot said he was approached by Chelsea in 2003, soon after Abramovich took over at Stamford Bridge.

Ferguson said: “They used an agent to approach me when Abramovich first took over the club and I said no chance.”

Ferguson also expressed full support for his United managerial successor. He said: “United are in good hands with David Moyes. He will be fine. He’s a good manager.”

United may have lost three of their first six league matches this season, but Ferguson was not interested in returning to management.

He said: “I’m not interested in managing again or getting myself worked up about Manchester United’s results. You would be throwing your money down the drain if you put any money on me coming back as a manager.

“I made my decision. The timing was perfect. There is no way back for me now. I’ve got a new life. I want to go to the Kentucky Derby and the US Masters, the Melbourne Cup. I want to visit vineyards in Tuscany and France.”

Ferguson also praised Wayne Rooney for his return to form while repeating a claim the United striker’s camp has always denied, namely that he asked for a transfer towards the end of last season.

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