Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson advises that his successor does not necessarily have to come from the Old Trafford alumni currently learning their trade in the Barclays Premier League.
Mark Hughes - in talks with Manchester City about taking over at Eastlands - and Roy Keane, who both won league titles as players under Ferguson, have made impressive starts to their managerial careers and are understandably mentioned whenever talk turns to the 66-year-old's replacement.
The Scot believes his assistant manager Carlos Queiroz is equally well placed to step into his shoes, despite an unhappy season in charge of Real Madrid in 2003/04.
Although the appointment of Keane, Hughes or even Steve Bruce would no doubt prove popular with United supporters - given their sterling service for the club - Ferguson does not believe his successor needs to have worn the red shirt to be the ideal candidate.
"You can't discount them, obviously, but it's not a prerequisite for the job," he said.
"I didn't play for Manchester United; Matt Busby played for Manchester City, so it's down to ability and how well managers do at the time.
"Of course you can't discount my assistant Carlos Queiroz, who's outstanding - he's done fantastic work at the club."
In a Sky Sports interview with Sir David Frost, Ferguson confirmed his retirement plans and dismissed the view he may stay on in an advisory role.
"I'll carry on for no more than three years, maybe two more. I have to respect my wife because she is a not football fan - she's an Alex Ferguson fan," said Ferguson.
"At that point I wouldn't have an interest in how it was run. No, it would be the manager's domain. People say that if you are about the place, you are in the road, and I don't want that - the field will be left clear."
Ferguson also admitted one of the biggest regrets of his Manchester United career was missing out on the chance to sign Paul Gascoigne.
The Red Devils chief feels United's support network could have helped him avoid Gascoigne's descent towards depression and psychiatric illness.
"Alan Shearer is one I wish I'd signed, but for me the most disappointing of all was Paul Gascoigne," he said.
"He was the best player of his era, a breath of fresh air because he played with a smile."
Gascoigne eventually opted to join Tottenham, after looking certain to sign for United, and Ferguson added: "I think it was a bad mistake, and Paul admits it.
"We had Bryan Robson, a Geordie, Steve Bruce, a Geordie, Gary Pallister, from Middlesbrough... we had a structure of players who could have helped him, and it could have given him some discipline." |
發表於 2008-6-4 08:05 PM
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