CARLOS QUEIROZ has agreed a four-year contract to become the manager of Portugal for a second time. Manchester United have reluctantly allowed their assistant manager to leave Old Trafford, giving Alex Ferguson little more than a month to bring in a replacement before the season starts.
The news is a further blow to their hopes of keeping the winger Cristiano Ronaldo, moreover, with Queiroz regarded as a father figure to the Portugal winger.
Queiroz joined United in 2002 and, even though they won the title in his first season, he was widely criticised by fans, blamed for persuading Ferguson to deploy a conservative 4-5-1 formation.
However, in the past season his increasing influence over the team has been recognised as United played an attractive brand of attacking football, winning the Premier League and Champions League in the process.
Indeed, the significance of his presence alongside Ferguson was felt when he left to manage Real Madrid in the 2003-04 season. Although he failed to win a trophy in Spain, United underwent a similarly barren year, finishing third as Ferguson struggled alone until he brought Walter Smith in for the final two months.
Swansea City have this week ruled out the idea that their manager, Roberto Martinez, will leave to become United's number two.
Queiroz had been one of the favourites to succeed Ferguson as United manager but the lure of managing his country for a second time was too much for him. His first stint, from 1991-94, was unsuccessful, with Portugal failing to qualify for USA 94, but his stock has always been high, having coached the under-20s to world titles in 1989 and 1991.
"Carlos Queiroz is unquestionably one of the top Portuguese coaches and was my first choice," said the Portuguese Football Federation president, Gilbert Madail.
"I have followed his career with much interest and the experience he has gained in all the places he has worked will be important in helping us achieve the success we want."
In other news, Samir Nasri feels he has all the qualities to fit right in with Arsenal's culture of "amazing football". The Gunners yesterday finally completed what has been a protracted pursuit of the attack-minded midfielder from Marseille on what they describe as a "long-term contract" for an undisclosed fee.
The move could pave the way for unsettled Belarus winger Alexander Hleb to join Barcelona.
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has brushed aside reports linking Russia striker Roman Pavlyuchenko with a move to the San Siro this summer - but would like to sign Chelsea's Andriy Shevchenko.
"The only Chenko I love is Sheva (Andriy Shevchenko)," he said when asked about Pavlyuchenko. "Shevchenko has remained in our hearts and if Chelsea decide to sell him we will acquire him. This is the wish of (Silvio) Berlusconi."
Frank Lampard's Chelsea exit appears to be growing ever nearer after Inter Milan director Gabriele Oriali claimed the England midfielder wants to join them.
Inter's new coach Jose Mourinho - Lampard's former boss at Stamford Bridge - has made no secret of the fact he wants to be reunited with the midfielder and the Italian club are gearing up to make a second bid of around €12.5 million.
Peter Crouch denied taking a step down in his career after leaving Champions League regulars Liverpool to complete his €13.7 million transfer to Portsmouth. Crouch (27) has agreed a four-year deal at Fratton Park after three years at Liverpool. "It is fantastic to be back, the club is going places and I have worked here before and the manager always gets the best out of me. I feel I have got the best years of my career to come," said Crouch.
The FA board has approved a new prize fund for next season's FA Cup, with a 69 per cent increase from last season. The total prize fund will increase from €12.1 million to €20.4 million, with raised payments in every round.
Guardian Service
