Sir Alex Ferguson backs David Gill for success at Uefa

Feb 21, 2013 4:40:00 PM

The Manchester United boss believes that the departing chief executive is sure to prosper when he stands for election to European football's governing body in May

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his belief that outgoing chief executive David Gill will have a major impact on Uefa’s executive committee.

The 55-year-old announced this week that he will end his 16-year stay at Old Trafford in order to stand for election to the governing body of European football in May.

And, although he lamented the FA vice-chairman's departure, Sir Alex is adamant that Gill will be a fine addition to the executive committee.

"He spoke to me about it some weeks ago," he told Sky Sports. "I was surprised because he is still a young man.

"But I can understand exactly where he is coming from. Sixteen years at United in that particular position is not easy.

"He will do fantastic with UEFA and he will contribute greatly to the game in general."

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward will take over from Gill, and Ferguson believes that the 40-year-old is the right man for the role.

"I have always worked well with David and he is going to be a loss, but United are great at promoting from within and we have done it again with Ed Woodward stepping up," he explained.

"Remember, David came as the finance director and ended up as chief executive. From the football side, Mike Phelan came as reserve coach and ended up as my assistant.

"Rene Meulensteen came as a development coach and is now my first-team coach. Brian McClair came as a youth coach and is now director of the academy.

"We see quality and potential in a lot of our staff. That happens throughout the club. There shouldn't be a big problem."

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!

play

open

Inside Goal.Com

Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants Isco at Chelsea
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
Top 10 Champions League Final Moments
As Europe braces itself for an all German classic at Wembley on Saturday, Goal.com takes a look back at some of the iconic moments in the history of Uefa's showpiece event since its rebranding in 1992.