Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he considered working abroad but the magnetic appeal of Manchester United proved too strong.
The Old Trafford boss was speaking ahead of the Premier League match
against Fulham on Saturday when he pits his wits against Roy Hodgson, whose
coaching CV reads like a travel brochure.
While Ferguson has ruled over United for the past 21 years, his managerial
counterpart in that time has covered all corners of the globe in pursuit of his
craft.
Hodgson is now hoping to put that vast experience to good use and prevent
second-bottom Fulham being relegated.
His work ethic certainly impresses Ferguson.
'Roy Hodgson has done what a lot of us would love to have done and work
abroad, ' the United manager told www.leaguemanagers.com.
'I always remember Bobby Robson saying that the best thing he ever did was go
to PSV, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.
'He was out of the country for maybe 10 or 12 years. Working in different
climates with different cultures definitely broadens your education.
'I remember meeting Roy Hodgson in Malmo in 1987 when I had just joined
Manchester United. Malmo were playing Ajax in the European Cup.
'Over the years he has gone to Inter Milan, Switzerland, Finland, Udinese,
Blackburn etc... it's incredible all the teams that he has managed.
'You can see when he's interviewed he knows what he is talking about.
'Sometimes I used to say to myself `I'd love to have tried managing abroad
sometime' but then it was difficult for me.
'My choices were cut off simply because I was the manager of Manchester
United which is amazing and you don't leave Manchester United.'
Ferguson aims to close the three point gap to leaders Arsenal at Craven
Cottage and is adamant United will continue to allow their players to express
themselves.
With the likes of gifted young stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney,
Carlos Tevez, Anderson and Nani on their books, it is little wonder the manager
looks forward with optimism.
He said: 'The players have that joy of being at a club with a lot of
ambition.
'It is good to see young players having the energy and the commitment to try
and enjoy themselves.
'We work hard at making sure that they are relaxed in that respect with a
responsibility to use their talents all the time to express themselves.
'We are fortunate in that it is easier for them than a lot of other players
because they are exceptional talents.'
