May 25, 2008	Sunday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 19, 1429

LONDON, May 24: Sir Alex Ferguson has given a tongue-in-cheek hint that assistant coach Carlos Queiroz could one day succeed him as manager of Manchester United, two days after winning the Champions League title.

Carlos Queiroz has been credited generally with organising the impressive array of fitness experts around the players which has ensured they have competed in maximum physical condition.

Queiroz’s year at Real Madrid, sandwiched between his two spells at United, has, according to Ferguson, also enabled him to advise Cristiano Ronaldo and be a persuasive influence to keep him at the club.

Benfica are among his admirers while there has even been talk he might be offered the Portugal job if, as expected, Luis Felipe Scolari stands down after Euro 2008.

Ferguson generally navigates his way round talk of his possible successors and predictably side-stepped a direct question on the matter on Friday as he basked in the glow of United’s triumph over Chelsea.

But the Scot then went on to give Queiroz the most glowing reference imaginable.

“Carlos is well respected,” said Ferguson. “His preparation for the game on Wednesday, from all aspects, was fantastic. There has been a lot of talk about him recently and I am sure the Portugal job would be a big attraction for him.

“What happens after I go is not my domain. But there is no doubt I think Carlos will be here for a long time. As long as me anyway.”The last sentence was added with a definite twinkle in his eye but there is no doubting Ferguson’s faith in Queiroz.

Indeed, having recruited the Mozambique-born former South Africa coach twice, the second time after an ill-fated year at Real Madrid, Ferguson is relying heavily on Queiroz to help keep Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Carlos has the experience of being at Real Madrid,” said Ferguson. “That is helping us now with all the nonsense we have to talk about.—AFP