David Gill insists Jose Mourinho has no chance of becoming
Manchester United boss as Sir Alex Ferguson" has a good few years"
left in charge.
"Alex has a good few years ahead of him, so succession plans are
not on the agenda at the moment," Gill told BBC Radio Five Live's
Sportsweek programme.
"As and when Alex decides to step down we will look at all
possibilities but we have a great team managing Manchester United
on the pitch at the moment and we see no reason to change that at
all."
In his farewell address to the Chelsea faithful, Mourinho did raise
the tantalising prospect of one day landing the United job
himself.
By announcing his intention to return to the Premier League at some
point in his career, the Red Devils instantly sprang to mind as a
club capable of fulfilling his personal ambitions.
But Gill reacted with incredulity to a leftfield query over whether
Mourinho could be brought in to work under Ferguson, a suggestion
which, admittedly, has never been raised by anyone ever
before.
"It is not going to happen," said Gill.
"We don't need it and we don't think it is appropriate. We don't
want that kind of confusion coming into Manchester United.
"Mourinho is clearly a very successful coach, he has done well here
in a relatively short period of time.
"But we don't need that kind of interference in our club."
Gill was somewhat less forthright when quizzed over the possibility
of Mourinho becoming United manager one day, pointedly refusing to
answer the question.
However, his tactic is one borne out of the experience of knowing
so many candidates have been linked with the job at various stages
of Ferguson's tenure, including Martin O'Neill, Steve McClaren,
Bryan Robson and, currently, Mark Hughes and Roy Keane, but then
fade from view as Ferguson continues.
Ferguson himself has always resisted telling the media who he
thinks should replace him, although in a public speech recently the
Scot did offer the name of his present number two Carlos Queiroz as
a plausible candidate.
"We have a very good man in Carlos there, but we would look at
everyone available at that time to take over what is undoubtedly
one of the best jobs in football," he said.
"There are lots of other people who have the credentials and at
that time Manchester United will undoubtedly still be one of the
most attractive jobs in football."
One thing appears certain, no matter who replaces Ferguson, the
next United manager will enjoy the same level of non-interference
in football matters as the current incumbent.
Gill confirmed there can be disagreements between the pair over
some football decisions.
But ultimately, Ferguson is left to get on with his job with a
freedom Abramovich has not afforded to Mourinho if rumours of
Chelsea's strategy for buying players is to be believed.
Yet, after succeeding Peter Kenyon as chief executive at United,
Gill cannot quite believe the stories of transfers being foisted on
Mourinho are true.
"I have never suggested signing players and I don't think any of
the big clubs would ever do that.
"It would never work, and it would be a recipe for disaster.
"And knowing Peter Kenyon as I do, I'm sure that didn't happen at
Chelsea either."