Whelan: Bruce in line for United
by Chris Stanton, 09 May 2008
Sir Alex Ferguson may retire should he lead Manchester United to a league and cup double this season, according to Wigan owner Dave Whelan, who fears The Red Devils would then come calling for Steve Bruce.
Wigan face United on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday and stand in the way of Ferguson’s side securing the Premier League title.
United will then face title rivals Chelsea in the Champions League and Whelan believes that if Ferguson is successful on both counts then he may soon be looking for a new manager.
Whelan offered a glowing appraisal of the work carried out by Bruce at The JJB Stadium and insists he could not stand in his manager's way.
“When United come to choose a new manager, if they go for Mark Hughes or Steve Bruce, you have no chance of standing in their way,” said Whelan.
“I wouldn’t contemplate doing so if United came for Steve. I would be delighted for him and sorry for the club.
"If Sir Alex wins another European title this year – which I hope he does – he may decide he has had enough."
Whelan is irked at suggestions that Wigan will 'roll over' and hand United the victory they need to guarantee the title.
"When Paul Jewell was here, I used to feel that when we went to Anfield or Old Trafford the size of the match used to get to the boss a little bit. He used to pick a team that would keep the scoreline down.
“Steve Bruce doesn’t have any respect for the big teams.”
Whelan also revealed he would be similarly powerless if United step up their reported interest in Antonio Valencia and Wilson Palacios.
“We want to keep them but, if United knock on the door, how am I going to stop them going?”
“Sir Alex doesn’t mess about. He’s not one of those managers who does it undercover, he just comes and bangs on your door.
“If he does that for Valencia or Palacios, how am I going to stop them?
“I couldn’t sleep at night if I said, ‘No, you are staying here.’ If it’s a fair deal for the club and for the player, then so be it.”