Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has said that Sir Alex Ferguson's Portuguese number two has the right profile to succeed Vicente del Bosque, who was removed from his position just a day after guiding 'los Blancos' to their 29th La Liga title last weekend. Meanwhile Ferguson himself has said that "this is a wonderful opportunity for him, too big a chance to turn down."

Despite the move to Spain, in an exclusive interview with TheFA.com shortly after packing up for the summer break, Queiroz revealed how much he had enjoyed the season at United and underlined his respect for the Ferguson.

"Sir Alex Ferguson is very special," Queiroz told us, "his ability as a leader is unique, not only does he have a wonderful wisdom and experience in the game but he also shows every player, every coach and member of staff that he believes in us."

"Delegation is also a part of leadership and Sir Alex does this in a way that makes us comfortable because we all know our duties.

"We can take the initiative and know that whatever happens, he will be there to support us. That is the secret of the success under him because it means that everyone at United is relaxed, positive and able to focus on their duties."

United will soon be back at the training ground for their pre-season preparation and though the former coach of the Portuguese and South Africa national teams, credited for nurturing his country's Golden Generation of Luis Figo, Rui Costa, Joao Pinto et al, looks unlikely to return, in his first season in England, Queiroz enjoyed the diverse styles and skills that were on show in the Premiership and says that it is this that helped United lift the Championship.

"That is the beauty of the English league, the mix between the English route and the foreign influence, it is what made United special and it is the same in the Premier League as a whole," he explains.

"You find this modern brand of football which mixes English roots, with foreign influences and cultures.

"You see it every week. You will meet Liverpool in one game, then you will face people like Dugarry at Birmingham the next and then Arsenal. That is the quality of English football."

Carlos Queiroz was speaking to Daniel Freedman

Stay logged on to TheFA.com tomorrow for more from our exclusive interview.