Givemesport - Former Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz has sensationally revealed he turned down the opportunity to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, reports Sport Witness.

In an interview with Portuguese daily newspaper Record, the ex-Red Devils coach - who is now in charge of the Iran national team - confirmed that he was regularly touted as a possible successor for Ferguson, before leaving the Premier League champions to take over as manager of his native Portugal.

"Yes...When I left that time I declined the Manchester United opportunity to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson," said Queiroz.

Asked if he regretted the decision to snub the advances of Manchester United - which led to the appointment of David Moyes after the 71-year-old Scot retired in the summer - the Portuguese coach was unequivocal in his response.

"No way. I'll never regret that decision. And I can explain to you that the reasons twofold.

"One, because because I could to go to the first World Cup held in Africa, moreover near the place where I was born and manage the squad of my country.

"Another, because after almost 16 years out of Portugal, this was the opportunity to be back closer to my family and friends."

Ferguson's eventual retirement came five years after Queiroz left England to return to his homeland in 2008, meaning he would have had to have bided his time for the chance to take over at Manchester United.