It's been reported in this morning's papers that Alex Ferguson's resigned to losing his number two, Carlos Quieroz. According to this morning's Sunday Times, Quieroz is set to sign a four year contract to take over the Portuguese national team. Former United forward and club academy director Brian McClair's being touted for the assistant's vacancy.

The departure could weaken United's hand in the battle to hold onto Cristiano Ronaldo who in the past described the former Real Madrid boss as being like a father figure.