Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson claims he turned down the England position twice.

The legendary Old Trafford boss admitted that he twice had the opportunity to take charge of the Three Lions squad.

"I was offered the chance to manage the England team on a couple of occasions but, of course, it was just out of the question," he told the Irish Independent.

"It's a poisoned chalice anyway. I think it's a terrible job, plus the fact that I would have had a tremendous handicap being Scottish; no matter which way you look at it, that's important."

David Davies, the former FA executive director, said that Ferguson was considered for the job during the 1990s.

Ferguson is currently with his Manchester United squad as they tour North America for a series of pre-season exhibition games.

The 68-year-old has some international manager experience on his resume. The Glasgow native managed Scotland during the 1986 World Cup finals in Mexico.

The Red Devils kick off the 2010-2011 Premier League season on August 16 when they host Newcastle United.