Martin Edwards: Kidd was made a very good offer to stay

Edwards told BBC Radio 5 Live that he did make an increased pay offer to Kidd but he could not persuade the United number two to turn down the manager's job at Blackburn Rovers.

On Saturday Kidd told a news conference: "There was no salary increase offer to me and nor was there any sought. Money was not the issue for me. I was not offered a salary increase and I didn't seek one."

Kidd: Surprised Edwards with claim on money

But on Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme, Edwards said he was surprised at reports that Kidd claimed no improved terms were forthcoming from the United board.

"We certainly did offer him more money - there is no question about that," he said.

"What he said to us what that he wanted to go be given the opportunity of being a number one and that this was a golden opportunity he wanted to try."

Brian Kidd: I'm still friends with everyone at Utd

Edwards also denied any suggestion of intervention on the Kidd situation from broadcasters BSkyB who have put in a bid to take over United.

"That is absolute nonsense," he said.

"I did, out of sheer courtesy, speak to (Sky representative) Mark Booth about it, and he gave me his backing to make any deal with Brian Kidd that I thought was suitable.

"We do not have to refer to them. But out of sheer courtesy I did ring him to tell him exactly what we were doing."

Edwards also tried to scotch rumours that Kidd decided to leave because the door had been closed on him as a likely successor to Alex Ferguson when the Old Trafford manager finally calls it a day.

"That is also not true. Alex Ferguson's position when he goes has never ever been discussed with Brian Kidd or anybody else."

On the question of Kidd's own replacement as assistant manager Edwards said it was entirely up to Ferguson.

"I doubt very much that anything will be happening in such a short space of time. But I think Alex himself has to decide who he wants as his number two - and that could be a very long process," he admitted.

On Wednesday United face their biggest match of the season so far, a Champions league tie they have to win against Bayern Munich.

Saturday's game at Premiership leaders Aston Villa saw them draw 1-1.

'Under achievers'

Meanwhile at Ewood Park Kidd watched his new team beat Charlton and move off the bottom of the table, after vowing to sort out Blackburn's "under-achievers".

"It is my intention to devote my full energies and experience to ensuring that the club climbs away from its present position at the foot of the Premiership table," he said.

He also insisted that the chance to develop his career in football management had been the sole reason for his decision to leave United after eight years as Ferguson's number two.

As well as claiming there was no extra money on offer from United, Kidd added that he had not needed any financial inducement to accept the Rovers challenge.