Queiroz preparing to leave United. A new number two beckons
July 8, 2008
Ever since Phil Scolari took over at Chelsea, rumours over the Brazilians replacement as manager of Portugal have been rife with reports that Carlos Queiroz is their number one target.
Queiroz was highly credited in helping Manchester United win back their title in 2003, so much so that Real Madrid came knocking and the 2004/2005 season saw Queiroz at the helm of the Spanish giants and the title slip away from Old Trafford. An unsuccessful campaign in Madrid saw him sacked after just one season and having first hand experience of how good for the club he was, Sir Alex had no quarms in bringing him back.
Three seasons later, two titles under the belt and we are back where we started. The lure of management is just too strong and with the Portuguese FA seemingly desperate to land their man and reportedly double their initial contract offer, it looks almost certain that he will be moving on.
Speaking in Portugal yesterday, Queiroz said: ”I want all parties involved to come to an agreement quickly, but from my point of view it’s an easy deal.”
Replacing Carlos Queiroz will be no easy task, he has been instrumental in building the United team we see today. Some of the potential candidates include Laurent Blanc, Brian McClair, Rene Meulensteen, Pako Ayesteran and with slim to no chance, after his recent declaration, Eric Cantona.
Queiroz set to reject Portugal to stay at United
June 27, 2008
Ever since Phil Scolari announced he was taking the vacant managerial position at Chelsea, Carlos Queiroz has been the favourite to succeed him as the new boss of Portugal. However, Alex Ferguson’s number two has dropped the biggest hint yet that he is preparing to reject Portugal in a bid to one day be the Manchester United number one.
“I’ve been in the game too long to plan with any certainty beyond today,” he said. “But in all likelihood I will be in South Africa next month with United for their pre-season tour.”
Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Queiroz to be next manager of Manchester United and holds the Portuguese in very high esteem. Queiroz is widely credited for helping build United’s current squad and had a central role to play in bringing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson to the club. With so many of Ferguson’s former players turning their hands to management, the top job at United has many suitors but Fergie doesn’t believe the job should go to a former player by default.
“You can’t discount them obviously, but it’s not a prerequisite for the job to have played for United. I mean I didn’t play for United. I mean Matt Busby played for Man City, you know? So I think it will be down to ability and how well some managers are doing at the time. And, of course, you can’t discount Carlos Queiroz. I think he’s outstanding. He’s done fantastic work for the club.”
All that said, it is no forgone conclusion that Queiroz will be handed the top job at United when Sir Alex Ferguson steps down and Quieroz will have to ensure he proves himself capable over the coming seasons.
“I take nothing for granted. Sir Alex will be around for the next two or three seasons and a lot can happen in football in that time.”
