[dpak3000]

Gill Admits Queiroz is Firmly in Frame

Manchester United chief executive David Gill believes Carlos Queiroz is "very much in the frame" to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

Ferguson revealed on Saturday night he will finally quit as United boss within the next three years.

And although Gill insists he has not been told that by Ferguson himself, he conceded United could follow in Liverpool's example with an internal appointment when the Scot does step down.

"We haven't discussed that," Gill told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme. "I think his guiding principle over whether he stays is whether he is healthy and still has the desire, which I'm sure he will have.

"It's still three and a half years away, we will look at it at that time."

Asked about planning for Ferguson's successor, Gill added: "We are making sure our squad is continually reviewed and improved as necessary and the age of the squad is right so that, when Alex does decide to retire, anyone taking over has a fantastic squad with the right age profile.

"We also have an assistant manager who will be very much in the frame in Carlos Queiroz.

"He's clearly a key part of our success. If you look at what Liverpool achieved in their very successful years during the '70s and '80s (that) was through internal appointments.

"Carlos is a key factor in all the success we've achieved over the last couple of seasons."

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Looks like this is all part of United plan to make a smooth transition to the next manager. Carlos may take more responsibility from here on out and any questions about Carlos leaving for another job would be trivial since he would a great chance at the United position.

[Dew]

I personally think Carlos is the most logical choice. He's been crucial in our success in the past couple of seasons. He's obviously got the trust and respect of the players and most importantly Sir Alex. A lot of people think an old United player should be the next manager, but I think it's not time for that yet. Carlos has first hand experience working from within, beside SAF and has helped the younger players, especially Anderson and Nani settle in so quickly, and of course has good contacts in Portugal to find more talent. I think choosing between someone like Mark Hughes, Steve Bruce or Roy Keane will be difficult. There could also be an issue of ego which I don't think Carlos has. I still don't want to hear or think about SAF retiring but it's gonna happen someday, and Carlos Queiroz has my support to step in as the next United manager if he continues to help guide United towards more success.

[mark08]

carlos is def the obvious choice!
already working wid the side adn bonding as well!

he's bound to knw the players well and it would be the smoothest transition possible!

im sure fergie is teaching him everything he knws as well like how to give out the hair dryer treatment etc. lol

[losangeles]

I agree with pretty much everything DEW said. I'm not excited about Queiroz, but I am also not certain he won't do great. I'm sure part of my reluctance is that the thought of Sir Alex not being in charge depressing. He has the know how and the personality.

One thing in Queiroz favor is that he seems to get along well with Ronaldo and have the Portugal (and beyond) recruiting pipeline.

When Roy Keane went to Sunderland so quickly my first thought was that he is trying to prove himself as soon as possible so that he'll be ready to take over Manchester United when Sir Alex retires. My first thought was to be rooting for that, but I am not 100% in that camp, either.

I suppose the bottom line is there is no sure fire replacement for Sir Alex, and that fact is what makes so many of us uneasy. I fear that Ronaldo leaves when Sir Alex retires.