Manchester United see Pep Guardiola as the ideal successor for Sir Alex Ferguson. The Sunday Mirror says United want Guardiola to succeed Ferguson.

United have asked the 41-year-old Spaniard to keep them informed of his future intentions following his ­decision to quit Barcelona.

Chelsea have led the chase for Guardiola and owner Roman ­Abramovich wants him to oversee the next stage in their rebuilding.

But Guardiola's also receptive to the idea of ­following in Fergie's ­footsteps at Old Trafford.

And there have been ­suggestions that Ferguson could finally call time on his glorious career at the end of next season.