Football: Eriksson snubs Utd

SVEN Goran Eriksson has ruled out any move to Manchester United by insisting he will honour his contract with England.

Eriksson has seen his odds to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of the season slashed in recent weeks as speculation about an imminent approach by United continued to gather momentum.

But Eriksson broke his silence over the United link when he said: "While it is extremely flattering to be linked with a club like Manchester United, I have signed a long contract with England.

"And there is no question I would look to break the contract I have with the FA. When I left Lazio to take on the job I knew it was taking on a long commitment."

Even if United were to lure Eriksson, they would have to pay the FA pounds 13million in compensation. If they then went on to match his current England wages, the total package would cost pounds 28m.

Eriksson added: "It is an honour to find myself in the position I'm in, and with England reaching the World Cup finals my work has only just begun."

So far United have refused to talk about who will replace Ferguson, although the club's chief executive Peter Kenyon has admitted that one man tops a short-list of five.

Roma boss Fabio Cappello is strongly tipped to be the first choice, but talk of a move for Eriksson has prompted bookies to make him 3-1 favourite.

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