Van Gaal came close to succeed Ferguson at Man United
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Louis van Gaal has revealed that he was all set to replace Sir Alex Ferguson in 2002 before the Manchester United boss staged a spectacular U-turn on his retirement plans.
Ferguson had revealed his intention to retire in the summer of 2002 and United quickly set about lining up a replacement.
Van Gaal, who was in charge of the Dutch national side at the time, admits he held talks with Peter Kenyon - then United's chief executive - about the prospect of taking the reins at Old Trafford.
However, Ferguson had a change of heart and remains in charge of the Red Devils to this day.
"It was before the World Cup of 2002," revealed van Gaal in his autobiography.
"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."
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Ferguson had revealed his intention to retire in the summer of 2002 and United quickly set about lining up a replacement.
Van Gaal, who was in charge of the Dutch national side at the time, admits he held talks with Peter Kenyon - then United's chief executive - about the prospect of taking the reins at Old Trafford.
However, Ferguson had a change of heart and remains in charge of the Red Devils to this day.
"It was before the World Cup of 2002," revealed van Gaal in his autobiography.
"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."
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