RENE GIVES HIS REASONS

Last updated : 23 June 2006 By Ed

Rene Meulensteen has revealed why he left United and also has a few nice words about Fergie.

"I talked it through with the manager, and he explained that he would be very sad to see me go because of my five years' service.

"He underlined that my work here would always be respected, but at the same time he wouldn't stand in the way of anybody with ambition who can better himself in his career.

"Then he said that if I had to go, I did so with his blessing so if there's anything I ever need he's just a phone call away."

"The last thing I ever wanted is to leave this fantastic club under a cloud," he revealed. "As I told the manager, I hate to leave United - but I love to take up this new challenge.

"I find it's very important that if you make a step into management, you make the right step. If it hadn't been the right career move for me then I wouldn't have done it."