Manchester United chief executive David Gill has hinted Jose Mourinho will be in contention for the manager’s job when Sir Alex Ferguson walks away.
Ferguson, 69, has been in charge at Old Trafford since 1986 and is showing no signs of wanting to end his reign any time soon, but the Red Devils know that the Scot will one day need replacing.
While the top managers from around Europe have been linked with the post, Real Madrid boss Mourinho remains the leading contender for the unenviable task of following Ferguson.
And Gill said: “Alex is on a rolling contract, he is on the record as saying that he will continue to manage as long as he keeps fit.
“So while we follow what is happening in football, I am not going to sit here today and say who we have in mind because we don't know what the time frame is.
“I am sure there are some other good managers around. (Mourinho is) a good manager.”