Sir Alex Ferguson: I Was Offered Chelsea Job by Abramovich

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich approached him over becoming the club's new manager upon the Russian taking over at Stamford Bridge.

Abramovich purchsed the Blues in 2004 and the club has since won 11 major trophies during 10 years of his ownership, with nine different managers having taken the helm in west London.

In his first interview since retiring as United boss after more than 26 years at Old Trafford, Ferguson has revealed Abramovich wanted to make him the new Chelsea boss 10 years ago.

"They used an agent to approach me when Abramovich first took over the club," Ferguson said. "And I said no chance."

Claudio Ranieri took charge of Chelsea in their first season under Abramovich before eventually making way for Jose Mourinho, who won five major trophies in his first two-and-a-half year spell at the club.

The early transition at United since the departure of Ferguson has been unsettled under new boss David Moyes, with the Scot guiding the club to their worst start to a league season for 24 years.

Defeat to West Bromwich Albion, United's third loss in the league this season which leaves them already eight points behind leaders Arsenal after six games, has raised questions over Moyes' ability to manage the sea of change at the Theatre of Dreams.

But Ferguson is unconcerned by Moyes' rough start and has ruled out ever making a return to management.

"I'm not interested in managing again or getting myself worked up about Manchester United's results," Ferguson added. "United are in good hands with David Moyes. He will be fine. He's a good manager.

"You would be throwing your money down the drain if you put any money on me coming back as a manager. I made my decision. The timing was perfect. There is no way back for me now. I've got a new life.

"I want to go the Kentucky Derby and the US Masters, the Melbourne Cup. I want to visit vineyards in Tuscany and France."