Ferguson wanted Papin as assistant

FORMER France international Jean-Pierre Papin has claimed he held discussions about becoming Manchester United’s assistant manager.

Papin has regularly been touted for a coaching role at Old Trafford and it appears Alex Ferguson made a renewed attempt to lure the ex-Marseille marksman to the club during the summer.

Ferguson has been searching for a fresh number two since Carlos Queiroz left the club to take over the reins at Spanish giants Real Madrid.