If Sir Alex Ferguson lays his hands on the Holy Grail this season and also manages to win the Premiership with Manchester United, I would not be surprised if he calls it a day. He has spent a mind-boggling 21 years with the club and achieved so much. I need not mention all that, though!

The big question going forward would be who's next in line to fill in the shoes of the fiery Scot? It is a colossal position in the football world. It is unprecedented in modern-day football to see somebody committed to a club for so long, and also have the drive and desire to achieve everything possible. I reckon there are two people who would be perfect for the job. The first one is the son of the soil, a true-bred Manchester United player, an understudy to Fergie -- none other than Roy Keane. The second is the 'Special One', the man who has been with Chelsea and worked wonders with them.

It is difficult to chose between the two. Keane was an amazing player during his United days. The driver, the engine of the team. Who can ever forget his performance against Juventus in the 1999 semi-final? Even during his last days with the club, the buzz was loud and clear. He could be the next one to don the role of the manager at the club in the near future. He is already having a managerial stint with Sunderland and has worked wonders with them in the Championship. He knows how to motivate players. He knows the game like the back of his hand, a leader in the true sense of the word. There is no doubt in my mind that he can take United  to the next level in club football both on the domestic and the European stage.

'There is no doubt in my mind that Keane can take United to the next level in club football, both on the domestic and the European stage'


Jose worked wonders with Porto. He managed to win the Champions League with them by slaughtering bigger teams on the way. With Chelsea he has managed two back-to-back titles. A great team needs a great manager for them to achieve what they are set out to. And Jose has done just that with Chelsea. He has a great footballing mind. He may be a big-mouth, but I guess that works in his favour. He is good at unsettling opposition at press conferences.

Being an ardent United fan, I would love to see either of the two make it to the managerial post at the club. It would be a fitting farewell gift for Sir Alex. I am sure he would be delighted if such a thing happens.

Could Roy Keane and Jose Mourinho really be contenders for such a massive job? Send your views to Sportingo.