His current assistant, Carlos Queiroz,a crucial figure in United's rebirth as European champions, will accept an offer to become Portugal's next coach, reported The Times.

Ferguson remains adamant, however, that winger Cristiano Ronaldo will not be going to Real Madrid.

This is despite fears that the departure of Queiroz, described as being 'like a father' by Ronaldo, will only increase the player's desire to quit Old Trafford.

Ronaldo could also miss the first eight games of United's Premier League defence, including key trips to Liverpool and Chelsea, after surgery on his damaged right ankle this week.

The good news is that the striker Arsenal are preparing to launch an £18 million (S$48.6 million) bid for prefers to join United.

Ajax's free-scoring Klass-Jan Huntelaar has issued a 'come get me' plea to the English champions.

Ferguson is a long-term admirer of the Dutch international, who said: 'I love clubs with great history like Ajax, I also love United.

'It's a club that makes me dream, especially as Ruud van Nistelrooy played there and did great things with them.'

Ajax have paved the way for Huntelaar's departure this summer with the £12.9 million arrival of Serbian striker Miralem Sulejmani from Heerenveen - a record fee between Dutch clubs.