Soccer:Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has backed Harry Redknapp as "the best man" for the England job.
Tottenham boss Redknapp is being widely tipped as the replacement for Fabio Capello, who resigned as England manager on Wednesday evening.
“There is no doubt Harry Redknapp is the best man,” Ferguson said. “The press have decided. Harry is the best man. He has the experience and personality and the knowledge of the game. He has changed the fortunes of every club he has been at. He is the right choice.
“You should try to get the best man with the best qualities. A young manager has no chance.”
Tottenham are in the hunt for their first league title since 1961 and there has been a suggestion Redknapp could take the England job part-time. But, Ferguson who took on the Scotland job for the 1986 World Cup while Aberdeen manager following the death of Jock Stein, cautioned against that approach.
He added: “I tried it myself with Scotland in Mexico. I found it very difficult.”
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish agrees Redknapp would be a "fantastic" appointment, but couldn't resist a little mischief by suggesting the FA sound out Fergsuon first.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's league meeting between United and Liverpool at Old Trafford, the Scot said: “England are on the lookout for another manager and if you are looking for a manager I think you look for the one with the best record, since the Premier League started, of looking after English and British players and the success they have had.
“If I was in their position I’d be looking at the best one and if it’s not available then start going down from there, " said 60-year-old. “Whether they want someone of their own nationality or the want the best it’s up to them.”
He added: “Harry would be fantastic”, and when asked whether he was referring to Ferguson the Scot, with a smile, said: “I never said that.”
While his comments may have been in jest, Dalglish has at least partially moved the spotlight away from Luis Suarez, who made his comeback with a 24-minute substitute cameo in Monday’s goalless draw at home to Tottenham.
The 25-year-old appeared to show no ill-effects from missing the whole of January as he produced a typically determined, sparky display and could even have won the match late on.
Dalglish refused to comment on the likely reception Suarez will receive from United fans.
“We will comment on football,” said the Reds boss. “We enjoy going there to play football and that is all we are going to concentrate on, we’ve covered every other aspect of what has to be covered.
“In the build-up to the FA Cup tie here (which Liverpool won 2-1) everyone played their part; both clubs, both sets of fans and the referee (Mark Halsey) was magnificent in the way he handled the game. If it is the same again then everyone will be happy.”
