Fergie in no assistant rush
13 Jul 2008 - 13:43:58
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is in no rush to appoint a new number two following Carlos Queiroz's departure to take over as Portugal boss.
Queiroz, 55, had spent five seasons as Ferguson's assistant during two spells, but his departure was confirmed on Friday when the Portuguese coach was released from his Old Trafford contract.
But speaking ahead of United's 2-0 pre-season friendly victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie, Ferguson revealed he was happy to bide his time before appointing a new assistant.
Michael Carrick opened the scoring from the spot after Wayne Rooney had won a penalty, before Rooney himself headed home the second goal for the Red Devils.
When asked if the search had already begun, Ferguson told MUTV: "Not really, we'll just take our time as we normally do. We'll wait and see how things unfold."
Current backroom staff Brian McClair and Mike Phelan are both early frontrunners for the post, but Ferguson was keen to pay tribute to the job Queiroz performed during his time with the club.
"It's disappointing but nationalities come into it in terms of him being an emotionally fervent Portuguese man and the attraction being too big," he continued.
"But he did a great job for us and that's why he'll be remembered.
"He's gone with our best wishes. He did a terrific job for us and a lot of the innovations we've had over the last few years are down to Carlos."
