With Sir Alex Ferguson announcing his retirement after an incredible 27 years at the top, attention will immediately switch over to who his successor will be.
There are so many names that will immediately crop up with the likes of Everton Manager David Moyes, Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp of Borussia Dortmund linked heavily.
Let's take a look at the possible candidates who could replace Ferguson as manager of Manchester United.
David Moyes: The Everton man has been linked with the United job in the past, and a couple of days back speculation was rife that the Scot would join Ferguson among the coaching staff before eventually taking over at Old Trafford, once his contract at Goodison Park expires at the end of the season.
He has a very good rapport with Ferguson and is thought to the Sir Alex's first choice. Moyes has done a tremendous job at Everton with limited resources, but his lack of big-game experience and the fact that he hasn't won a trophy will definitely go against him.
Jose Mourinho: The Portuguese has been heavily linked with the Chelsea job and is expected to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season after an eventful three years.
Has a really good pedigree and is a proven winner - two things that will definitely work in Mourinho's favor. Mourinho also enjoys a decent relationship with Ferguson, although it is nowhere near as good as the Portuguese might like everyone to believe.
His antics and penchant to be bigger than the club will work against him, and with United a traditional club, they will have serious reservations over Mourinho taking control, despite the Portuguese making his preference clear of taking up the job when he came to Old Trafford during Real Madrid's last-16 clash with Manchester United in the Champions League.
Jurgen Klopp: Has done a brilliant job at Dortmund, with very limited financial backing. An intelligent and astute manager, who preaches an attacking style and is good at developing youngsters, something that Ferguson preaches.
The German is also a very likeable character and will definitely be a hit in the English Premier League. However, Klopp did reportedly turn down the Chelsea job, and it remains to be seen whether he would be open to leaving Dortmund.
Ryan Giggs or/and Paul Scholes: The duo knows the ins and outs of United and how Ferguson works, like no other. Both players are United through and through and deeply love the club, and will have no problem working together with Ferguson, when he moves up to the board of directs seat.
Lack of experience in coaching will work against them, however, with the United hierarchy unlikely to want to take a risk by appointing someone so inexperienced.
Michael Laudrup: Perfect fit for a club like United. Oozes class and knows his game pretty well. Also preaches an eye-pleasing attacking style, but is yet to prove himself at the highest level.
Reports in the British press suggest United have already earmarked a replacement - with Ferguson no doubt having a major say. It could be one of the above, or someone not mentioned in the article, but whoever it is, that person will certainly have massive shoes to fill!
Can you think of anyone better to take over from Ferguson? Have your say in the comments section below.
