Hitzfeld claims Man Utd interest

Hitzfeld says he rejected Hearts

Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld claims Manchester United have offered him a position at the club.

Hitzfeld, who won the Champions League with Munich and Borussia Dortmund, did not say whether his "offer from United" was to be the club's manager.

The 56-year-old has been out of football for 18 months and he told a German newspaper: "I want to get back and next summer would be a good time.

"My wife would go to Manchester with me and I'm ready for a new challenge."

Hitzfeld, who left Bayern in 2004, told Die Zeit that wife Beatrix's happiness at relocating - be it to "Manchester, Milan or wherever" was key.

It's important to know the language well when you coach in a (foreign) country Ottmar Hitzfeld

"That is important," he said. "In the past I have had offers, one from Milan, but I can't see myself coaching in Italy.

"I am 57 in January and I can't see myself retiring at that age. I am ready to work again.

"Being a coach is my occupation, I have spent my life on the football pitch."

Hitzfeld, who also said he was studying Italian, stressed the importance of learning to speak English.

"It's important to know the language well when you coach in a (foreign) country because some people won't take you seriously if you don't," he said.

The German led Bayern to four Bundesliga titles and two German Cups and recently turned down an offer to manage Hearts.