Roberto Mancini turned down the role of Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United, according to the former Inter Milan coach's agent.
Mancini has been out of a job since he was sacked by the Nerazzurri in the summer, despite leading them to a third successive Serie A title. However, he revealed on Friday that he is hoping for a return to management in time for next season.
And Giorgio De Giorgis told Udineseblog.it: "A little while ago there was contact with United but they were offering him only the role of Ferguson's assistant. And that didn't suit him."
He added: "I really believe that next year he will return to coaching a big club.
"I think that everyone aspires to have someone like him, he has showed on the pitch how well he knows how to make his teams play and that he knows how to win.
"Where will he go? He would want to go abroad."
Mike Phelan is United's current assistant manager, having replaced Carlos Queiroz when he became Portugal coach in September.
Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.
