"Roman Abramovich tried to lure me to Chelsea" - Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that the Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich tried to lure him to Stamford Bridge in 2003, after the Scot had just won his eighth title at Manchester United.

Speaking to the interviewer Charlie Rose on the American network PBS, Ferguson said: "They used an agent to approach me when Abramovich first took over the club and I said: 'No chance.'"

He added he harbours no regrets about his retirement and no longer gets "worked up about Manchester United's results", saying he would not be tempted to come back and rescue the club should he be called upon.

"I'm not interested in managing again or getting myself worked up about Manchester United's results. You would be throwing your money down the drain if you put any money on me coming back as a manager.

In the interview broadcast on Tuesday night, Ferguson reiterated that Wayne Rooney requested to leave United a day after they secured a 20th title last season, something which Rooney privately denies.

He said, however, it was "very important" to "never hold a grudge" and revealed the secret of United's habit of coming back late in games: "I always say to them at half-time, in the last 15 minutes, throw the kitchen sink!"