Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is surprised Gerard Houllier has taken the job at Aston Villa.
Never close to Rafa Benitez, Ferguson had more of a rapport with former Liverpool manager Houllier, whose return to the Premier League with Aston Villa has caught him slightly off guard.
"It is a surprise," said Ferguson.
"He has been out of the English game for quite a while and he had a nice position with the French FA.
"But I look forward to seeing him."
