Lens boss Jean-Pierre Papin has revealed he turned down an offer from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to join the club's coaching staff.

He told setantasports.com: "My father was a Manchester United fan and so am I since the age of 10. Besides, Sir Alex Ferguson gave me the chance to experience an internship when I passed my coaching diplomas.

"He offered me the chance to become his strikers' coach but I refused it because there was already a guy, a Dutchman, doing the job and I am not the kind of person to steal someone's position.

"Today I would not say that I regret it because, at that time, I did not know whether I wanted to become a manager or not.

"I learnt my trade, started to coach an amateur team, then helped Ligue 2 team Strasbourg to go up. And now I manage a big French club in Lens.

"I hope that the next step will be in The Premier League. I hope…"