Manchester United: Carlos Queiroz to Part Ways with United?

Manchester United are desperately trying to persuade assistant manager Carlos Queiroz to resist the opportunity of becoming Portugal’s new head coach. United are so intent on retaining Queiroz’s services that they are even willing to increase his salary to a hefty £1.5 million should he spurn the chance to succeed Luis Felipe Scolari, who has taken over at the helms of United’s title rivals, Chelsea.

Queiroz has already resisted interest from some of Portugal’s top clubs, including Champions League participants Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. The Mozambique-born coach has been Ferguson’s assistant ever since an unsuccessful spell at Real Madrid in 2003, and is tipped to take over from Ferguson once the Scot decides to call an end to his managerial career.

But, the lure of managing his country may be too much for the 55-year-old, who has already had a spell as coach for Portugal in the early 1990’s. His short tenure for Portugal was followed by stints with the United Arab Emirates and South Africa, before eventually arriving at Old Trafford as Ferguson’s assistant.  

The Portuguese Football Federation have set their minds on making Queiroz their new manager, and former Portugal coach Agostinho Oliveira believes Queiroz will be unable to decline the opportunity to return to international football.

"I think it would be possible to get him," he said. "I know Carlos’s personality and his way of dealing with situations around him.

"His desire to serve the national team and the country, and to carry out a rebuilding work, could persuade him to take hold of the reins."

However, the chance for Queiroz of some day managing Manchester United is also a huge attraction and a substantial reason for him to stay at Old Trafford. It all depends on Queiroz’s patience and whether or not he is willing to wait three or more years which Ferguson plans on staying at Manchester United.

Ferguson has already handed Queiroz much of the responsibility of United’s daily training routines, possibly hinting that his Portuguese assistant could become United’s manager after he retires. Ferguson also gave credit to Queiroz for his side’s Champions League triumph and clearly considers Queiroz to be a valuable asset to the club. 

After all, it was Queiroz who helped United capture the signatures of two of Europe’s most promising youngsters in Nani and Anderson. Queiroz is also said to have had a hand in the acquirement of Angolan starlet, Manucho.  

So, with an increased salary and the possibility of one day being Manchester United’s number one, it will be interesting to see if Queiroz opts to stay at Old Trafford or embark on new pastures. Time will tell.