Man Utd deny interest in Mourinho
Manchester United have no plans to bring Jose Mourinho to Old Trafford as
Sir Alex Ferguson's successor, chief executive David Gill has told the BBC.
After his shock exit from Chelsea, Mourinho said he hoped to return to
the Premier League, but Gill scotched suggestions that could be at United.
"We don't need it and we don't think it is appropriate," Gill told Radio
5live. "We don't want that kind of confusion.
"Alex has a few years ahead of him, so succession plans aren't on the
agenda."
Mourinho left Chelsea earlier in the week after winning the Premier
League twice in three seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Gill acknowledged the fine job that Mourinho had done at Chelsea but also
talked up the role that Carlos Queiroz has played as Ferguson's assistant.
"As and when Alex decides to step down we will look at all
possibilities," said Gill.
"Mourinho is clearly a very successful coach - he has done well here in a
relatively short period of time, but we don't need that kind of interference in
our club.
"We have a great team managing United on the pitch at the moment and we
see no reason to change that."
Ferguson, 65, is approaching his 21st year in charge at Old Trafford and
is the most successful manager in British football, with his trophy haul
including nine Premiership titles, five FA Cup wins and the 1999 Champions
League.
Gill also said the Glazer family were not having any problem meeting the
long-term repayments following the family's takeover of the club in 2005.
"Things are going very well," said Gill.
"Because of the changes in the economics of the business, with the
expansion of the stadium and the (new) television deal, both our revenues, and
importantly, our cash profits will be up significantly."
Gill added that a long-term financing plan was put in place in 2006 to
reduce the interest costs on the business.
"Since then we have fixed the interest rates, we are moving forward," he
said.
"Our interest cover is excellent, and over time we will generate
sufficient funds to make sure the business is on a sound financial footing, and
continues to be so."
Gill also reinforced the Glazers' commitment to the club.
"The Glazers are long-term holders of the club.
"If you look at their other investments, whether it be the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers, or other business investments in the States, they have held them
for many, many years.
"They don't need to sell, and don't intend to sell."
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