Carlos Queiroz - Will he Really be Missed?

Carlos Queiroz has finally been confirmed as the new manager of the Portuguese national side. His departure leaves a significant hole in Sir Alex Ferguson's backroom staff.

Although Manchester United fans never really warmed to Ferguson's Portuguese assistant he has often been credited with the resurgence of success in the last couple of seasons at Old Trafford.

Initially brought in at the start of the 2002-03 season, Queiroz soon left to take over from Vicente del Bosque at Real Madrid. Despite an unhappy tenure at the Bernabeu, he was welcomed back with open arms by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2004.

His return co-incided with the arrival of "The Special One" at Stamford Bridge and a period of dominance for Chelsea. Manchester United's lack of success, coupled with defensive tactics (4-5-1 with Rooney often stuck out on the left wing) and Chelsea's success saw Queiroz placed in the firing line by disgruntled Manchester United fans.

Reports in the media suggested that Queiroz had influence over Ferguson in the tactics department and was often taking charge of training sessions. The suggestion was that Ferguson saw Queiroz as the man who could help bring a third European Cup to Old Trafford with the help of his tactical nous and distinctly "European" perspective on the game.

It proved in the long run to be a wise decision by Ferguson with the club securing the Champions League trophy in Moscow earlier this year.

Therefore, it is clear that Queiroz' departure will have an effect on the club. The appointment of his successor will have to be thought out carefully so as to minimise the disruption for the players.

It is also worth being pointed out the role Queiroz has played in the transfer market for Manchester United. His extensive knowledge of Portuguese football enabled United to identify and capture two promising young players last year; Anderson and Nani. It has been widely acknowledged that Queiroz played a pivotal role in securing the signatures of these two players.

Sir Alex Ferguson knows only too well the role his assistant played at the club. He said earlier today, "He has played an important role in building and blending the exceptional squad of players at the club." Interestingly Ferguson added it was his "attention to detail" that made Queiroz "one of the best coaches on the world."

High praise indeed from Sir Alex Ferguson, who is acutely aware this is a blow to Manchester United's preparations for the forthcoming season. It is impossible to hide the fact that Queiroz' absence will, to start with at least, be felt. He has worked more closely with Ferguson than any of his predecessors.

Moreover, his departure could perhaps make the difference in Cristiano Ronaldo's painfully protracted transfer saga. Perhaps the loss of a compatriot will be a factor in Ronaldo's decision.

Only time will tell, however, whose departure would have the greatest effect on the team.

On a final, more light-hearted note, as the talk turns to a replacement, one thing is for sure; the club must find someone with some personality to take his place in the post match interviews on the BBC''s "Match of the Day."

Those dour performances from Queiroz will be the one thing that certainly won't be missed...