SAF to be replaced

Jose Mourinho and Laurent Blanc are eyeing the top job at Manchester United.

Current manager Sir Alex Ferguson, 67, continues to go from strength to strength and is showing no sign of loosening his grip at United just yet.

But the Old Trafford hierarchy are already putting together a shortlist of candidates in preparation for the legendary Scot’s inevitable retirement.

Heir to the throne: Laurent Blanc and Jose Mourinho

And former Chelsea boss Mourinho has thrown his hat into the ring for the role.

He said: ‘I am thinking about the future in terms of youth development and the age structure of my first team but Italy is not the country for this.

'England is the country. And my football is English football.'

While, according to the Sunday Mirror, Blanc’s impressive spell at French club Bordeaux has made him one of the front runners for Ferguson’s job once he decides to step aside.

The ex-Manchester United defender would jump at the chance to manage one of Europe’s giants.

Portugal national boss and Ferguson’s former assistant Carlos Queiroz is also in the frame.