David Moyes would be Sir Alex Ferguson’s preferred long-term successor at Old Trafford, while the Scot feels current Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho should be considered ahead of Pep Guardiola for the Manchester United post.

Former Barcelona manager Guardiola has been linked with a move to the Red Devils when Ferguson retires while the pair are even understood to be meeting this weekend in New York, according to The Daily Express.

But Fergie, who turns 71 at the end of the month, has reportedly told United chief executive David Gill and the Glazers – the club’s American owners – that Everton boss Moyes is his number one choice to replace him.

While United’s record-breaking manager admires Guardiola, his compatriot Moyes is a close friend and boasts a better understanding of the demands of English football and the Premier League.

A source close to one of Manchester United’s senior players revealed Sir Alex’s thoughts on who his successor should be to the Daily Express.

“The talk about Manchester United appointing Guardiola is a little premature,” the source stated.

“He actually has two preferred choices – David Moyes and Jose Mourinho.

“Moyes and Fergie are close and Fergie begrudgingly admires how Moyes has ‘outfoxed’ him and many other teams over the years.

“Fergie admires Jose greatly but there are concerns that Jose’s manner and media links could make him become bigger than the club.”

Ferguson has achieved unprecedented success as manager of United, winning twelve of the club’s nineteen league titles, overtaking Liverpool’s record of eighteen championships in 2011.

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