One day, there will be somebody other than the Scot commanding Manchester United from the dug-out. It would sound impossible to many fans of this club, but it is the absolute truth. After such a long service at Old Trafford, the 68 year-old legend can’t go on forever.

However, all the fans of Manchester United, you can calm your nerves, because Sir Alex Ferguson does not intend to stop what he does best, and has previously said that as long as his health allows him to, he will continue doing what he has been for over 36 years.

We’ve analyzed the possibilities, and have come up to 5 of the most-tipped men in world football to take Sir Alex’s position – the Manchester United hot-seat!

Candidate Number ONE: JOSE MOURINHO

Perhaps the favorite amongst all, the two time Champions League winner is the most-tipped to follow Sir Alex’s footsteps. The Real Madrid manager has indicated previously that his aim is to win the Champions League with Los Blancos and head back to the Premier League, what he says is his favorite league. The ‘Special One’ has already coached Chelsea and has won 2 Premier League titles in a row with the Blues. Not to mention Jose Mourinho has a very good relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson, and a man Sir Alex Ferguson admires a lot.

WHY IT COULD HAPPEN: Mourinho delivers success wherever he goes. What Manchester United would want is to maintain the winning mentality of Sir Alex Ferguson and the Scot will preferably choose the man who has won it all with his clubs.

WHY IT MIGHT NOT HAPPEN: Sir Bobby Charlton is one person who will have a very big say on who is to take over, and let’s just say that he isn’t the biggest fan of Mourinho’s football. Besides, the Portuguese has never shown interest in a long-lasting deal and is expected to win titles and then hit the road again, where United prefer a man that can handle the job for years to come.

Candidate Number TWO: DAVID MOYES

Coming from a similar background as Ferguson, Moyes has done an astonishing job at Everton. The Scot has changed the Toffees from a relegation-bound team to a team challenging for a place in Europe. David Moyes actually could’ve become Manchester United assistant coach over a decade ago, but Manchester United opted for Steve McClaren.

WHY IT COULD HAPPEN: Ferguson has previously hailed Moyes and his work at Everton, and if Ferguson gives his vote for Moyes, United would surely listen.

WHY IT MIGHT NOT HAPPEN: Moyes has had his troubles with his side scoring goals over the course of the season, and looking at Manchester United superstar Wayne Rooney’s position who actually had a fight with Moyes when he was back in Everton, thinks might not work out.

Candidate Number THREE: MARTIN O’NEIL

Martin has been linked with a move to Manchester United for many years now after working wonders at Wycombe, Leicester, and Celtic before moving to Aston Villa. He knows how to get the best out of his star players and tends to be and attacking-minded manager (suits Manchester United’s style).

WHY IT COULD HAPPEN: He would certainly not say no to Manchester United and would like to prove a point at the highest level of the game after being passed over for the England job in favor of Steve McClaren.

WHY IT MIGHT NOT HAPPEN: He claims he can break into the top 4 with Aston Villa every year but eventually fails to do so.

Candidate Number FOUR: LAURANT BLANC

Adored by Ferguson, Blanchas done a superb with Bordeaux by winning the double in the 2008-2009 season. Known for his attractive style of football which led to him taking over the French national side after a disappointing season with Les Girondins, finishing 6th in the league and were eliminated by Lyon in the Champions League. He has quite the task taking care of Les Bleus.

WHY IT COULD HAPPEN: Ferguson remains a fan of Blanc and plays the style of football Old Trafford expects to see.

WHY IT MIGHT NOT HAPPEN: Managing his country is an honor for Blanc, so it’s hard to see him jump from managing his country’s national side to joining a club, even Manchester United.

Candidate Number FIVE: JOSEP GUARDIOLA

Pep won every possible title in his debut season with Barcelona and La Liga in his second. Pep has rejected to renew his contract until just recently which might have given the idea that the Spaniard might be interested in a new challenge outside Spain, and Manchester United might be keen on the 44 year old.

WHY IT COULD HAPPEN: Guardiola focuses on complete attacking football. His contract will see him at the Camp Nou till 2011, a time when some might think to be ideal for Sir Alex Ferguson to end his career as a manager. Pep also knows fluent English and United fans will be hoping he might bring Messi along!

WHY IT MIGHT NOT HAPPEN: Why on earth would Barcelona let go of the manager who won everything for them in just 2 years