Who Can Replace Carlos Queiroz?

With the departure of Carlos Queiroz, Sir Alex Ferguson has another headache to add to the prospect of losing Cristiano Ronaldo.

Queiroz has filled so many roles at the club that it will be almost impossible to replace him. He was a scout, a negotiator, an interpreter and a father figure. In short, he is irreplaceable but Sir Alex has to get on with the job of doing just that.

Ferguson has a battery of experienced coaches at the club and it would be telling if they are passed over for the job again. Youth Academy Director, Brian McClair and first team coach Mike Phelan are both reported to be in the running.

However, the reserve team enjoyed one of their most successful spells in recent years under Ricky Sbragia, currently a first team coach at Bolton.

But staying closer to home, Technical Skills Development Coach Rene Meulensteen could also be a candidate. Like Queiroz, Ferguson rated him highly enough to recruit him for a second spell, after a misadventure with Brondby in Denmark.

Michael Laudrup has enjoyed a successful spell at Getafe and will command the respect of the players, while Laurent Blanc is still relatively inexperienced. As for Eric Cantona, surely his link to the job must be a joke? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could fair better.

Writing in The Times Online, Tony Cascarino put forward the name of Sporting Lisbon's Paulo Bento. I like the sound of that, perhaps just because he is Portuguese like Queiroz but also because he is young and energetic.

With Ronaldo (if he stays), Nani, Anderson, Manucho, Rodrigo Possebon (reserves) and the new twins Fabio and Rafael, Portuguese is a second language at Carrington and Old Trafford.

The possibility of further player deals between Sporting and Manchester United can also not be ruled out. That could also count against Ferguson making an approach for Bento, lest he damage the cordial relationship between the two clubs.

My second choice would be Rene Meulensteen, closely followed by Michael  Laudrup.