Ferguson - Taylor will turn Villa around

"It was interesting that the week I decided to stay on, Graham went to Aston Villa," said Sir Alex in his press conference ahead of tomorrow's game.

"It was the situation I feared, that I'd sit down a few months after retiring and wonder what I'd done.

"That's what Graham has done, and the game, the bug has got him again and he's back in.

"He's got great experience and a great record as a manager. I think he'll turn Villa round.

"I spoke to him about it, and his wife was happy for him to come back in, as Cathy was with me. I think you have to involve family in these things."

Old Trafford return

Ferguson also expects Peter Schmeichel, who had such a succesful spell guarding the net at Old Trafford, to receive a warm welcome on his return to the club.

"I could say plenty about Peter, but I'm not going to!" said Sir Alex.

"We've had great players who have come back here - Bryan Robson got a great reception when he came back as Middlesbrough manager, as did Gary Pallister and Mark Hughes.

"Mark's been back about nine times over the years, and he gets a standing ovation every time. Andy Cole did too, and so will Peter tomorrow.

"And rightly so because he was such a great goalkeeper for us."