Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon has denied claims in a new book that Sven-Goran Eriksson was ready to quit England and replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
Eriksson: No United approach
(Picture/Allsport)
A new biography of the United boss says the Swede was approached to take over after Ferguson made clear his intention to retire, claiming the England boss yearned for a return to club football. But Ferguson has subsequently reversed his decision and agreed to remain at Old Trafford for the next three years.
But, asked if Eriksson was ever offered the job, Kenyon replied: 'No. There's been huge speculation as you would expect once Sir Alex made it clear that he would retire.'
'We had to deal with what was going to be the end of Sir Alex's career and move forward. But we want to get all this speculation behind us.
'What we're delighted about is that Alex is with us for another three years, and that is by far the best solution for Manchester United,' Kenyon said.
'Sven has done a tremendous job and he has got England into the World Cup finals. He is also committed to moving them on into the European Championships.
'So let's get rid of this speculation. We have been linked with every single manager.
'There has been great speculation over the last six months, and inevitably people will continue to speculate.
'But let's put this behind us and move forward because what we're really interested in is making sure Manchester United move forward under Sir Alex Ferguson.'
Meanwhile, FA chief executive Adam Crozier has also denied the book's claims.
He told the Sunday Mirror: 'It is a non-story. The same thing was said a few months ago and it was wrong then, as it is now.'
Don't believe them myself, I reckon it was about done and dusted. But he'll probably go to Lazio now. I suppose we'll just have to make do with Britain's greatest ever football manager.
Eriksson: No United approach
(Picture/Allsport)
A new biography of the United boss says the Swede was approached to take over after Ferguson made clear his intention to retire, claiming the England boss yearned for a return to club football. But Ferguson has subsequently reversed his decision and agreed to remain at Old Trafford for the next three years.
But, asked if Eriksson was ever offered the job, Kenyon replied: 'No. There's been huge speculation as you would expect once Sir Alex made it clear that he would retire.'
'We had to deal with what was going to be the end of Sir Alex's career and move forward. But we want to get all this speculation behind us.
'What we're delighted about is that Alex is with us for another three years, and that is by far the best solution for Manchester United,' Kenyon said.
'Sven has done a tremendous job and he has got England into the World Cup finals. He is also committed to moving them on into the European Championships.
'So let's get rid of this speculation. We have been linked with every single manager.
'There has been great speculation over the last six months, and inevitably people will continue to speculate.
'But let's put this behind us and move forward because what we're really interested in is making sure Manchester United move forward under Sir Alex Ferguson.'
Meanwhile, FA chief executive Adam Crozier has also denied the book's claims.
He told the Sunday Mirror: 'It is a non-story. The same thing was said a few months ago and it was wrong then, as it is now.'
Don't believe them myself, I reckon it was about done and dusted. But he'll probably go to Lazio now. I suppose we'll just have to make do with Britain's greatest ever football manager.