Queiroz in the Frame After Ferguson Sets His Old Trafford Departure Date

The Manchester United chief executive, David Gill, said yesterday that Carlos Queiroz would be a serious contender to replace Sir Alex Ferguson after the Scot outlined his plans to leave Old Trafford within three years.

The United manager gave his assistant a glowing reference in the aftermath of last week's European Cup victory, though the tribute related to his credentials as a coach and Ferguson has vowed not to interfere with the selection process for his successor. Yesterday, however, Gill admitted Queiroz is held in similar regard by the United hierarchy. The Portuguese endured an ill-fated season in charge of Real Madrid and has been criticized by sections of the United support for an apparently conservative approach, but will be among the favorites to replace Ferguson when his glittering reign ends.

"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," said Gill. "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."

There is no surprise or alarm inside Old Trafford about Ferguson's comments, with the club acutely aware of the unenviable decision on its horizon, yet relaxed about the time-frame for the 66-year-old's eventual departure. "We haven't discussed that," added Gill on the precise details of Ferguson's successor. "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."

Unlike 2001-02, when the Scot's original decision to retire had an adverse effect on the team's motivation and performance, Ferguson has not made himself a hostage to fortune with his latest announcement on life beyond Old Trafford. Though adamant he will not be United manager when he turns 70 in December 2011, the Glaswegian has ensured he will dictate his exit by refusing to commit to a specific retirement date. Unlike six years ago, however, Cathy Ferguson will not persuade her husband to recommit to Old Trafford again when the parting finally comes.

"I won't be managing here any more than three years at the very, very most. Without question. I can assure you of that," confirmed Ferguson. "You have to think about time for yourself. I think my wife deserves a bit of my time, too. The older you get, the more you feel guilty about it. My wife, Cathy, was the one who talked me out of retiring last time but she wouldn't do that now."

Ferguson revealed he hopes to spend his retirement traveling to destinations his current commitments rarely allow. "What I would like to do is travel to places I have never been to," he added. "I would love to go to the States and spend about three or four months there. But that is only one year, you can only do that once." One place unlikely to feature on Ferguson's itinerary is Madrid, and in particular the Bernabéu Stadium.

The United manager guaranteed a villain's status for himself in the eyes of Real Madrid on Friday with a scathing attack on their attempts to lure Cristiano Ronaldo to Spain, suggesting that, in comparison to their arch-rivals Barcelona, and given their history with General Franco, they were morally bankrupt. Unsurprisingly, that prompted a swift response from the Real president, Ramon Calderon.

"I am really surprised to hear what he said about us. I don't understand Ferguson," Calderon told yesterday's edition of Marca, the newspaper Ferguson alleged was involved in the courting of Ronaldo. "Real Madrid have conducted themselves exquisitely is this whole affair with Cristiano Ronaldo. We have always said that he is a player who has a contract and that Manchester United is not a selling club. That's everything."

Coincidentally, or perhaps not, Marca also claimed that Real will make an opening bid of €80m for Ronaldo, with a five-year contract worth €9.5m per season on the table for the Portugal international. The Brazil forward and reported Chelsea target, Robinho, was also mentioned as a possible make weight in the deal.

Should I stay or go?

Fergie has changed his mind before

Summer 2000 Ferguson announces that he will step down as manager at the end of 2001-02 season

May 2001 United win their third consecutive league title but reports of a breakdown in relations with the club's board dog the season's run-in September Rumors of a fraying of relations with David BeckhamDecember United slip to ninth after a home defeat by West Ham. Ferguson says: "I'm absolutely going"

February 2002 Ferguson announces that he is to stay on and signs a three-year deal. United finish third in the league but reach the Champions League semi-finals