Louis van Gaal has revealed he came close to succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2002.

The Dutchman, who is now ruling the roost at Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, was approached by United's movers and shakers as they desperately sought a replacement for Ferguson who had announced that he was going to retire.

Having impressed as a coach both at Ajax and Barcelona, van Gaal talked to United's then chief executive Peter Kenyon about a move to Old Trafford, only for Ferguson to change his mind and continue overseeing the Red Devils' fortunes.

"It was before the World Cup of 2002," said 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."