Fans back Fergie's new number two

Manchester United supporters believe new coach Carlos Queiroz can help attract big names to Old Trafford.

The vastly experienced Queiroz has been named manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s right hand man.

He arrives at the club three months after departing as South Africa’s coach despite steering them to the World Cup finals.

A row with technical director Jomo Sono led to his exit after an 18-month stint in the post.

Queiroz, 49, has also coached the national sides of Portugal and the United Arab Emirates as well as club sides Sporting Lisbon, MetroStars in America and Japan’s Grampus Eight.

Now he has been handed the task of helping United back to the summit of English football.

Mark Longden, chairman of the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association (IMUSA), said: ‘‘If Ferguson wants him, he is obviously the man for the job.

‘‘He is vastly experienced, judging by his track record, and a big name in the coaching world.

‘‘Having someone on board like him will, I am sure, help United attract more quality players.’’

Ferguson has been without an assistant since Steve McClaren left to take over Middlesbrough last summer.

To many observers it was no coincidence that United then failed to lift a trophy last season.

Longden said: ‘‘Most people thought that Ferguson would bring someone in last season, although Jim Ryan did a good job.

‘‘But he obviously wanted to take his time about it and get the right man.’’

Queiroz is far from fazed by the job that awaits him and relishing the chance to work with the players when they return for the pre-season.

He said: ‘‘It is a great privilege to join Manchester United and I am proud and honoured to be given this opportunity.

‘‘With my full commitment and devotion to the job I hope to help the club achieve even more success in the coming years and meet the high expectations of Manchester United fans.’’

He joins the staff on a three-year contract and ends Ferguson’s long search for a number two.

The United boss said: ‘‘I’m really pleased that we have Carlos on board. He is someone I’ve been looking for quite a while.

‘‘I know he has an excellent track record in the past as a manager. I feel that he is someone who will come in and challenge the players.’’