France coach Laurent Blanc is under consideration at Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor. The Daily Star Sunday says when the ­master manager does decide to retire, France boss Blanc will be firmly in the frame.

Blanc, who calls Fergie 'the governor', is currently plotting the downfall of England, ahead of tomorrow night's Euro 2012 opener for both countries at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk.

And how he performs in this tournament will be closely ­monitored in Manchester.

He said of the United job: "It would be very interesting.

"It would be a tough challenge but maybe an interesting one if Fergie was the one starting it with me or someone else - but I could be interested.

"But nobody should take it from him. It would be very sad for Manchester and it would be even sadder for him.

"It is not easy to find a ­successor. Sir Alex is the cornerstone of Manchester United. He ­personifies the Manchester project - he's got the passion."