Alex Ferguson wants Roy Keane to take over when he steps down as Manchester United manager.
Ferguson insists he will be in charge for at least one more year, but believes Keane has the leadership qualities required for the Old Trafford job.
"I will carry on at United next season and I have a contract to do that," Ferguson told The Sun.
"But when I do move on I would like to see Roy Keane taking over.
"He is a leader on the pitch and he could be that kind of leader sitting on the Manchester United bench, too."
Ferguson had previously argued that his Portuguese assistant Carlos Queiroz was the man for the job but there was a reported revolt in the United camp last week over his increasing influence on the first team.
Keane, 33, is taking his coaching certificates and has already revealed he is interested in becoming a manager.
But a decision on the Man United manager could come sooner than Ferguson expects with the United board reportedly ready to tell Ferguson that unless United improve next season he will be on his way.
Ferguson's 27 million pound swoop for Wayne Rooney last August failed to produce the expected goal rush with United's attack of Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Alan Smith and Louis Saha scoring only 48 goals in 33 games compared to Chelsea's 62 and Arsenal's 73.
And United's FA Cup final with Arsenal on May 21 represents their last chance for any silverware this term.
But Ferguson took a swipe at Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, whom he described as "merely a coach".
"It is said that Mourinho is the number one but at 63 I'm not jealous of my competitors and what they win," the Scot added.
"I have been a manager for a long, long time and won many trophies. Anyway, my job is completely different and carries a heavier load than Mourinho's.
"Mourinho has a completely different culture at Chelsea than I do in charge at Manchester United. I'm a manager, not merely a coach.
"I make decisions about signings. I have the responsibility for the first team - plus the reserves and the United academy."