Neville: Sir Alex unlikely to retire soon

Gary Neville believes that there is no point in planning for Sir Alex Ferguson's successor as Manchester United manager yet, insisting that the Scot will stay at Old Trafford for "as long as he likes".

Longest serving manager of Man Utd

The veteran boss is the longest serving manager for the Red Devils, having been in the job since 1986. And now that Sir Alex is in his late sixties, there has been some speculation concerning who might be capable enough to come in as a replacement if and when he calls it a day.


But Neville says he does not envision the Scot calling time on his career anytime soon.


"There's no point in thinking about succession planning because he will stay as long as he wants," Neville said.


"I don't see this manager quitting. He is just the absolute best.


"How can you think about succession when you have a man that shows no sign of giving up, no sign of wanting to quit, no sign of wanting to be the manager anymore?


"For all Manchester United fans, they hope he stays forever."

Pep Guardiola: been linked with Man Utd

However, Sir Alex has to complete his long and illustrious tenure at Old Trafford someday, and Neville feels that Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola are well placed among the current crop to come in as a replacement.

Mourinho: wants to succeed Ferguson one day

"The best managers out there at the moment are Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho but they are at other clubs - Real Madrid and Barcelona," he said.


"Will they let them go? I don't think so. Are they better than Alex Ferguson for Manchester United? I don't think so."