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Ferguson expects Queiroz to stay

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident his assistant Carlos Queiroz will not join Portuguese side Benfica next season.

Reports in Portugal said Queiroz was wanted to replace Fernando Chalana, who took temporary charge when head coach Jose Antonio Camacho left this month.

But Ferguson insists there have been no approaches from Benfica for the 55-year-old Portuguese.

"I can't speak for Carlos but I'm quite certain he'll not be going to Benfica next year," said Ferguson.

Queiroz returned to United in 2004 after a one-year spell as Real Madrid manager.

He has an impressive CV that also includes stints as head coach for Portugal, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa.

Ferguson added: "The Real Madrid experience was something else. It was a job he had to take.

"But Carlos learned how difficult it is. He wasn't allowed to buy and instead told to sell players."

Benfica, who have been forced to play second fiddle to FC Porto on the domestic front in recent years, parted company with their Spanish coach Camacho on 9 March.

He was replaced on an interim basis by former Portuguese international Chalana, who will be in charge to the end of the season.

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Man Utd | Ferguson expects Queiroz to stay