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Fergie faith in Queiroz
United assistant a contender to replace boss

Sir Alex Ferguson expects Carlos Queiroz to be a 'strong candidate' to be his successor as Manchester United manager.

Queiroz is in his second spell as Ferguson's assistant at Old Trafford, having had a brief stint as coach of Real Madrid.

The current United incumbent is thankful he does not have to decide his replacement, but believes Queiroz should come under consideration.

"Thankfully, I don't have to make the decision," said Ferguson, who was speaking to an audience at the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow.

"I have a great assistant in Carlos Queiroz, I think he will be a strong candidate."

Difficult decision

Ferguson, who came close to retiring several years ago, has no date in mind for stepping aside and is also unsure how the Glazer family will see the future of the club.

He added: "We have new owners now and I don't know how they look at the situation over in America.

"They have been great supporters of everything we have done, but they may have their own ideas.

"The thing is I have not made my mind up when I'm retiring. It's a difficult one. It's not going to be an easy decision.

"The important thing is to leave a good team. The present team is very, very good, but they will get better."