He said in an interview on american television, i didn't know that, he did well to keep that a secret, it makes you wonder how many titles they would've got if he was in charge of them.
Thread was started here http://www.not606.com/showthread.php/231604-Jose-was-not-firstchoice-the-first-time-around
It wouldn't have worked, Fergie ran the club as he saw fit while Roman fancies himself as a manager and likes to buy players and offer advice himself. It would've ended in tears, Fergie would not have taken Roman interfering and I don't think Roman could keep from getting involved after the first season or two...