Fergie To Help Find Successor

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson 'will be the key' to selecting his successor at Old Trafford, says chief executive David Gill.

Ferguson has been at the helm of United for 23 years, helping them to 34 trophies including 11 League titles and two European crowns.

And Gill insists United will seek Ferguson's advice on a successor when the Scot decides to end his long reign, but is adamant the 68-year-old has made no suggestion of retiring anytime soon.

"We don't know when Alex is going to retire and long may he continue," Gill told The Independent.

Gill revealed when Ferguson does stand down, he will form a selection panel with Sir Bobby Charlton and the club's owners to find a suitable replacement.

"It will be discussed with Alex, Bobby Charlton and the owners," added Gill.

"I think Alex will be the key. He knows people. He will have a big role in advising and being a sounding board. I am sure we will talk with the owners and look at who is there and determine who we would like to appoint.

"It would be remiss of us not to use the expertise and knowledge that we have."

Gill revealed a "small pool" of likely candidates were already on the club's radar, but refused to discuss the names of those managers.

When asked whether Jose Mourinho, who is poised to be officially appointed as Real Madrid manager next week, would make the shortlist, Gill admitted he was impressed by the Portuguese coach's successful record.

"He has certainly got something about him," added Gill, "He's a winner."

But Gill insists United would rebuff any approach from Mourinho for striker Wayne Rooney once the manager takes over at Real.

The Portuguese boss has expressed his interest in signing the former Everton player to the Spanish media, but Gill has rubbished the idea of the England forward moving to the Bernabeu.

"He won't go there. He won't want to go there," he added. "There may be some noise around it. I don't care."