Manchester United 'approached' Antonio Conte before asking Louis van Gaal to replace David Moyes, claims Italy head coach

Italian head coach claims he was asked to take the reins at Old Trafford before current manager Van Gaal

Italy head coach Antonio Conte (Getty Images)

The 45-year-old left Juventus last summer to take up the national post, having guided the Turin-based giants to three successive Serie A titles.

But speaking TV show Grand Hotel Chiambretti, the former Juventus boss hinted that United approached him before appointing Van Gaal – the then Netherlands boss.

"The English team that looked for me ended up signing the coach of a national team," he said.

"But my challenge with the national team is personal. Becoming a coach where usually the job is to select players, it is inspiring."

Van Gaal was criticised once again following United’s lacklustre display in the win over Newcastle in midweek, and the Dutchman has had to play down talk of a rift with assistant boss Ryan Giggs.

He told a news conference: "No. We have a very bad relationship. I cannot answer that. I want to have those rumours."

He then added: "I am very irritated at this question because everyone can see we have a very good relationship. We work very hard together. Not only with Ryan but with all the staff and the players. It is a way of suggesting things. I am very irritated. I take my measures against the media. I am not pleased."