Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed he wanted Martin Jol as his No2 when Carlos Queiroz first left for Real Madrid.

Ferguson revealed he had to turn down Fulham manager Jol after Queiroz's time at Real turned sour.

"I talked to him (Jol)," said Ferguson.

"But when I spoke with Martin, I was called by Carlos, who said he was not happy at Real Madrid. I therefore recalled him to Manchester United as my assistant.

"That was annoying for Martin, but his career went well. He did a good job in the Netherlands and eventually went to Tottenham Hotspur."