Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton believes that someone from outside the clubÂ’s history should take over from Alex Ferguson when he retires.
Ferguson is reaching the twilight of his career, although thereÂ’s nothing to suggest that the 65-year-old is ready to hang up the chewing gum just yet.
Nevertheless there has been rhetoric amongst fans over who should replace the great man, with the likes of Roy Keane and Mark Hughes being the most favoured, due to their successful playing careers with the club.
But club director Charlton thinks that it would be better to bring in someone not previously connected to United.
"I think their have been a lot of mistakes made by a lot of clubs in getting managers who have already been some part of the club in their career," Charlton told The Daily Star.
"I don't buy that. If he's a good manager it doesn't matter who he is, where he comes from or even what nationality he is.
"In fact, in lots of cases, I'd say it was a hardship now to have a club background.
"People say only an old player could do it but maybe it's better to have a clean bill of health. Maybe give it to somebody who will really clear the decks."
Charlton went on by saying he doesnÂ’t expect Ferguson, who intended to call it a day in 2002, quitting in the near future.
"You can't plan for somebody like Sir Alex retiring," said Charlton.
"I don't think Alex is even considering retirement at the moment. He has a smile on his face and he's enjoying it.
"The last time he said he was retiring I didn't believe it. I was right then. Some people think it would be the perfect time for him to go if he won another Champions League final. Maybe.
"But he's not a sentimentalist like that. He's hard as nails, Alex.
"He's a born manager. I can't see him thinking of doing anything else for the next few years."
