Sir Alex Ferguson has said that he considered bringing Martin Jol to Old Trafford to work alongside the Scot as his assistant.
The Manchester United boss revealed that he approached the Dutchman over the vacant post after Carlos Queiroz left for Real Madrid in 2003.
However, Queiroz didn't settle at the Bernabeu and returned to United the following season.
Jol has since gone on to manage Tottenham Hotspur, Hamburg, Ajax and currently takes charge at Fulham.
"I spoke to [Jol] about joining us as assistant manager. Whilst I was talking with him, I had a phone call from Carlos and realised he wasn't happy at Real Madrid, so I made moves to bring him back at the end of that season," said Ferguson.
"It was unfortunate for Martin, but it never stopped his career progressing. I think he's a terrific manager and his record is good. He's had great experience gathered at Hamburg and Ajax."
United and Fulham face off at Craven Cottage this evening.
Pascal Lemesre
