Manchester United chief executive David Gill has confirmed that current boss Sir Alex Ferguson will have a major say in the appointment of his successor at Old Trafford.
Ferguson has given few indications of when he will finally bring the curtain down on his illustrious reign, but Gill says that planning for the future will be thorough.
He told The Independent:"We don't know when Alex is going to retire and long may he continue.
"It will be discussed with Alex, Bobby Charlton and the owners.
"I think Alex will be the key. He knows people. He will have a big role in advising and being a sounding board.
"I am sure we will talk with the owners and look at who is there and determine who we would like to appoint.
"It would be remiss of us not to use the expertise and knowledge that we have."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email