Alex Ferguson wanted Carlo Ancelotti to succeed him as Manchester United manager last summer, according to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Ferguson said he hand-picked David Moyes to follow him into the United hot seat after 26 years in charge.

But the Everton boss may not have been Ferguson’s first-choice, according to Real Madrid chief Perez. Perez claims Ferguson approached Ancelotti last year to offer him the chance to take over at Old Trafford, but he claims the Italian opted for Real Madrid instead.

“I’m absolutely sure (they did),” Perez told Radio Cope when asked if United wanted Ancelotti as their manager. “Not this year, but last year. Ferguson asked him to succeed him.”

Former Chelsea boss Ancelotti led Madrid to their 10th European Cup and the Copa del Rey in his first season in charge at the Bernabeu. Moyes was sacked just 10 months into his six-year contract after failing to secure Champions League qualification for the first time in 24 years.

Dutch coach Louis van Gaal will take over the helm at Old Trafford following the World Cup.