Whether Queiroz is still as committed to
dissuading his star player from moving on remains to be seen. He
certainly has his own horror story to tell, having spent one
unhappy season as Real coach in 2003-04 before returning to United
as Ferguson's No 2.
After four successful years at Old Trafford, he admits
leaving is a wrench, despite feeling the time is again right to
strike out on his own.
"It is with a very heavy heart that I leave the
greatest football club in the world," said Queiroz, who will take
full responsibility for all aspects of Portugal's national teams,
including oversight of the youth teams.
"This has been a special period in my life both
personally and professionally. "To Sir Alex, I thank him for his
faith in me and his knowledge, spirit and desire from which I will
take strength and have confidence in my new role."
Ferguson was full of praise for his departing
assistant, adding: "Carlos is one of the best coaches in world
football. "His attention to detail, ability to innovate and will to
win have been a key factor to the team's recent successes. He has
played an important role in building and blending the exceptional
squad of players at the club."
FPF president Gilbert Madail expressed his gratitude to
United for releasing Queiroz from his contract, saying: "I also
want to recognise the co-operation of Manchester United from the
beginning of this process."
Queiroz, who is to be presented to the media on
Wednesday, added that his first priority will be qualification for
the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Ferguson must now decide who to
appoint as replacement for the highly-rated Portuguese coach.
Former United players Mike Phelan and Brian McClair are
already on the coaching staff at Old Trafford, as is Dutchman Rene
Meulensteen, and they could take on extra responsibility in the
short-term.
Other candidates include Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc,
the former France defender who spent two seasons with United at the
end of his career, and Pako Ayesteran, Rafael Benitez's former No 2
at Liverpool.