And with manager Sir Alex Ferguson in danger of losing his influential No2, Carlos Queiroz - wanted by Portugal to succeed Luiz Felipe Scolari - the Frenchman's emotional return would be perfect timing.
A close friend revealed: "Eric does fancy the idea of helping out with the coaching at a club like Manchester United.
"He has been enjoying himself appearing in and directing films and being involved in beach soccer but has always wanted to help produce a team in his style and knows that Sir Alex Ferguson would encourage him."
