Portugal have stepped up their search for their coaching vacancy by formally offering Carlos Queiroz the job.

By Eugene YS Han (espnstar.com)

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has been looking for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s replacement and the position has regularly been linked with the Manchester United assistant manager.

Queiroz has been pivotal in Man United’s successes since joining them in 2002. He left the club to coach Real Madrid for a forgettable season in 2003 before returning to Old Trafford.

But the ex-Sporting Lisbon coach faces a dilemma as Alex Ferguson has earmarked the Portuguese as his potential successor after he finally steps down. But that might not happen for the next two seasons.

A chance to manage his country’s senior team may not come by again but Queiroz will be wary of taking up a seemingly glamorous role that would require him to massage the egos of Portugal’s next-generation, although it may be his only opportunity to continue working with Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 55-year-old has publicly persuaded Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford, but if one goes it could well be that the other will instantly follow.