Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel fears for the club once Sir Alex Ferguson steps down. The great Dane told the Daily Star Sunday: "I hope Sir Alex stays for a good few years because I don't think the club is prepared for him to leave. They still need him.

"Over the next two years United must put a plan in force to replace him in some kind of way.

"And they need to make sure whoever comes in is prepared for the job.

"Therefore, as long as he can carry on, please let him do so."

Schmeichel is equally concerned that candidates in the frame to follow in the Scot's glory-filled footsteps will stand no chance unless they get to know the ropes beforehand.

He warned: "I keep seeing all these names thrown into the hat but I can't see any of them at the club.

"United is such a special place and they will be replacing someone who has been at Old Trafford for a whole generation."