" Ferguson waits on assistant"
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed he will look outside Old Trafford for his new assistant.
Ferguson has yet to fill the gap left by the departure of previous number two Carlos Queiroz, who has taken over at Real Madrid.
Mike Phelan has been operating in the role on a temporary basis and was linked with the role, but Ferguson says Queiroz´s successor will be an external appointment.
" We will bring somebody in," Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News.
" I don´t know how long it will take, but we are not in a hurry. Taking time has always worked in the past."
Ferguson will discuss the issue with United chief executive Peter Kenyon during the next few days.
Ferguson admitted he was surprised to lose Queiroz, and said it would be difficult to find someone of similar calibre.
" Carlos going was a shock but he could not turn the job down," said Ferguson.
" It won´t be an easy job for a man who hasn´t had management experience at that level.
" But he has had experience here of working with top players and most importantly he has the ability to do well.
" I got on really well with him - and I have to say he was up front about the whole Real Madrid thing."
Archie Knox, Brian Kidd, Steve McClaren and Queiroz have all filled the role of Ferguson´s assistant during the Scot´s 17 years at United.
For now, Ferguson will be involved in guiding the squad through United´s heavy pre-season programme.