The Candidates

Mark Hughes

Date of birth: 01/11/1963
Place of birth: Wrexham, Wales
Current Job: Manager Of the Welsh National Team
Probability of appointment: Likely

Mark Hughes has turned the fortunes of the Welsh national side around, and despite missing out on a place in the European Championship finals, the Welsh now look a much stronger side under his management. Hughes had two spells as a player at Old Trafford, loves the club, and would surely relish the chance of managing the club after Sir Alex's departure. Ferguson has previously revealed that he would love to have Sparky as his right hand man, but whether or not he'd be willing to leave his job as Wales boss for a number two position is in question.

Mike Phelan

Date of birth: 24/09/1962
Place of birth: Norwich, England
Current Job: Acting assistant manager of Manchester United/ Manchester United first team coach
Probability of appointment: Likely

A one time United player, Phelan has done a good job so far as Sir Alex's acting right-hand man and is a likely candidate to take the job. Having impressed Sir Alex Ferguson as a player in his time and indeed as a coach, he is a very trustworthy friend of Sir Alex and have a good on and off field relationship.

Roy Keane

Date of birth: 10/08/1971
Place of birth: Cork, Ireland
Current Job: First team captain and player at Manchester United
Probability of appointment: Unlikely

Roy Keane's leadership skills have led United to great success in previous years, and it is clear that the Irishman has what it takes to move into managerial and coaching work later in his career. The United skipper's career is reaching its climax, and the fans would love it if he was to be given job such as assistant manager meaning he would still be involved with the club after retiring from playing. However, it could be considered a little early for Keane to step into such a job with the player thought to have a couple of good years in him yet!

Brian McClair

Date of birth: 08/12/1963
Place of birth: Airdrie, Scotland
Current Job: Youth Team coach at Manchester United
Probability of appointment: Unlikely

Brian McClair currently manages the United youth side, and has done well since being appointed. The Scotsman spent many years as a player at the club, and looks set to work his way up the managerial ranks at Old Trafford. McClair is in charge of a very strong youth set-up, and has already won a number of trophies and honours with the Red Devils. I personally think it's unlikely he will slot into the number two role yet, but will be a contender to take such a job and maybe even the managers job in years to come. 

Martin Jol

Date of birth: 16.01.1956
Place of birth: Holland
Current Job: Manager of RKC Waalwijk
Probability of appointment: Very Unlikely

Jol's contract at RKC expires in the summer and confirmed he will be leaving the club. To join United? We never know. Jol has admitted that Sir Alex contacted him about the job and made an unofficial offer to him. But they haven't got in contact since the summer and chances are getting slimmer and slimmer.

Manuel Pellegrini

Date of birth: 16.09.1963
Place of birth: Santiago, Chile
Current Job: N/A
Probability of appointment: Likely 

The South-American, nicknamed 'The Engineer' wants to see out his managerial career by conquering Europe and winning some titles in the continent. He may see the roll as No.2 as a path-way to fulfilling his dreams like Carlos Queiroz. He is very highly regarded in South-American countries and have one many titles there. Some may see him as a hero and the South-American Sir Alex Ferguson. His lawyer confirmed United have approached him.

Fernando Vazquez 

Date of birth: 24.10.1954
Place of birth: Coruna, Spain
Current Job: Manager of Real Valladolid
Probability of appointment: Unlikely

Vazquez has done very well as manager of Valladolid and has been approached by Sir Alex. Although comitting his future to the Spanish out-fit, surely he wants to move on and better himself in England.