SIR ALEX FERGUSON has lost the first of his two major
battles to keep key personnel after it emerged Carlos Queiroz is to
accept an offer to become Portugal’s next manager. Ferguson is
resigned to losing Queiroz, a crucial figure in Manchester United’s
rebirth as European champions, and now faces the headache of
finding the sixth No 2 of his 21-and-a-half-year reign. The manager
remains adamant, however, that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be going
to Real Madrid — despite fears that Queiroz’s departure will weaken
United’s powers of persuasion with their unsettled
star.
Queiroz, described by Ronaldo as “like a father”, is set to sign
a four-year contract with Portugal worth around £1.2m a year, a
salary similar to the amount he is paid by United. He is thought to
have told Ferguson of his intentions after talks on Tuesday with
Gilberto Madail, the president of the Portuguese Football
Federation. It will be the second time Queiroz has managed
Portugal, having coached his national team from 1991-94. He also
had a spell as manager of South Africa, and was the FPF’s first
choice to succeed Luiz Felipe Scolari from the moment the Brazilian
announced he was leaving to join Chelsea during Euro 2008.
United can expect a hefty sum in compensation for Queiroz,
below, who is on a one-year rolling contract, but money will do
little to salve their dismay at losing a figure recognised within
the club to have been vital to its most recent successes. Queiroz
was first Ferguson’s No 2 in 2002-03, when United were Premier
League champions. He was credited with restoring organisation to a
defence that had leaked 68 goals in 2001-02. His return in 2004,
after an unsuccessful season as Real Madrid manager, coincided with
the start of the building of United’s current European Cup-winning
side. For four years Queiroz has overseen most training matters and
Ferguson has allowed him major input into tactical strategies.
Brian McClair, highly regarded by Ferguson for his work as the
club’s academy director, is among those likely to be considered as
a replacement, although United may also look at up-and-coming
Championship managers, such as Barnsley’s Simon Davey, Simon
Grayson of Blackpool and Swansea’s Roberto Martinez.
Queiroz’s value to United extended far beyond his coaching
acumen. His scouting network in Portugal put United first in line
to sign Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson. Ferguson had hoped Queiroz
would play a key part in persuading Ronaldo to abandon his “dream”
of joining Real Madrid, but the coach is likely to have left United
by July 14, the date Ronaldo is due to report back.
The player is about to undergo surgery to correct a longstanding
problem with his right ankle and is expected to miss the start of
the Premier League season, which kicks off on August 16. Reports in
Portugal claim he could be out for as long as three months.
It is understood that Ronaldo’s injury has done nothing to cool
Real’s interest but United reiterated yesterday that he is “not for
sale at any price” and confirmed, despite contrary suggestions,
that Real have made no contact with them about a transfer. Claims
in the Spanish media that Real had offered £67m, and have been told
the winger is theirs if they returned with a bid of £80m, were
dismissed by United as “laughable nonsense”.
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