MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that former Oxford United player Steve McClaren could be the man to follow him into the Old Trafford hot-seat.

Ferguson is due to stand down at the end of next season after a decade of unprecedented success with the Red Devils.

Speculation is rife as to whom will succeed the Scot, with Sven-Goran Eriksson regarded as one of the favourites until his decision to accept the England job this week.

McClaren has previously been seen as an outsider for the role, even though he has impressed in his work as Ferguson's assistant since moving from Derby.

However, last week he insisted talk of him taking over from Ferguson wasn't 'stupid' and far from distancing himself from the Yorkshireman's observations, the United boss appears to be in agreement.

Steve has been brilliant since he came here, said Ferguson. He has shown a willingness to learn.

It is not my decision to make, but I would have thought all the credentials were there for Steve to take the job.

There is a big decision to be taken, which will be made at the right time."