Sven-Goran Eriksson: I nearly joined Manchester United

Sven-Goran Eriksson has written in his autobiography that he very nearly joined Man Utd in 2002 when Sir Alex Ferguson was originally planning to step down and retire from management.

The Swedish coach, who was then in charge of the England national team, reportedly signed a deal to become United's new manager.


"I knew it would be tricky. I had a contract with England until the 2006 World Cup and I would be severely criticized if I broke that contract. But this was an opportunity to manage Manchester United," said Eriksson. 


"A contract was signed — I was United’s new manager."