Ghost, we don't have bootroom succession at United. It didn't work when it was tried. I don't think that the next manager needs any prior connection to United. Busby didn't have, SAF didn't have. The ideal candidate will be the manager best able to man manage stars, while instilling a winning mentality and building squads (as opposed to just buying players). There aren't any perfect fits out there just now.

Mourinho hasn't proven his long term view yet but remains the outstanding candidate. Guardiola hasn't built a team (he inherited a team) and he wouldn't commit to Barca long term. Managers like Blanc and Solksjaer look like they could be candidates in the future but aren't ready yet. O'Neill has a tendency to walk away. Coppell, who might be described as the thinking man's manager, can't cope with the stress of management. The younger managers around the Premier League aren't experienced enough with big players.

Let's hope that SAF has a few more years yet so that he candidates can form an orderly queue.