Carlos Queiroz

Carlos Queiroz became Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two in June 2002, following in the footsteps of Archie Knox, Brian Kidd and Steve McClaren.

He arrived at Old Trafford a virtual unknown to most United fans but as Sir Alex explained at the time, his was a name that kept cropping up.

“I spoke to two or three players who had worked under him, and they said he was fantastic to work with. Then I spoke to Luis Figo and two or three other Portuguese players and they absolutely raved about him,” recalls Sir Alex. “The portfolio was building up quite nicely so I decided to have a chat with him and was

very impressed.”

The new pairing’s first season ended in success. After a poor start to the campaign the Reds clawed back a 9-point gap on Arsenal to land an eighth Premiership title.

Sir Alex was quick to credit his new side-kick. “Hiring Carlos was one of the best decisions I ever made,” said the Reds boss.

But he wasn’t the only one impressed. Real Madrid had also taken note and following the sacking of Vicente Del Bosque, Queiroz was offered the job of Head Coach. It was a job he couldn’t refuse.

It says much for the impact he had at OT in those 12 months that when things didn’t work out for Queiroz in Spain, Sir Alex welcomed him back to Manchester in July 2004.

Queiroz, who is fluent in five languages, began his coaching career in his adopted country Portugal. He led the Portuguese youth team (including Luis Figo) to World Youth Cup wins in 1989 and 1991, then led the senior Portugal side for three years. Stints in club football with the NY/NJ Metrostars and Grampus Eight followed, before Queiroz returned to international football with South Africa.

Back in club football again – at arguably the biggest club – Carlos is

held in high esteem by Sir Alex. He sees his trusty lieutenant as vital to the Reds quest to wrestle the title away from Chelsea.