By David Hobbs
July 19 2005

Sir Alex Ferguson believes few current professional footballers will go into management due to the high wages they receive each week but backs Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to make the grade.

Ferguson however backs a few of his current players to turn to management when they hang up their boots and claims Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can cut it as gaffer.

"Many of them are very wealthy men and have got a different angle on how they view their life because of the money," the Scotsman explained. "It is completely different from when I started as a manager; not a heavier workload, though, because that has always been high.

"But it is harder because of the expectations now. That is partly because of the way the game has gone and the part agents and the media now play."

Red Devils skipper Roy Keane has been tipped to take over from Ferguson when he decides to leave his Old Trafford post and Fergie can understand why. "His leadership qualities are there for all to see," he said. "That is where he helps me most. I trust him and he's my captain. I think Roy Keane has certainly got the qualifications and determination.

"But as a manager you have to keep your distance from your players and can't get too close to any of them.

"Gary Neville has that determination, too, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will make a great coach I am sure."

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]