Sacked Real coach Queiroz heading for Old Trafford

Sacked Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz looks set to turn his back on the manager's job at Tottenham in favour of a return to Manchester United.

Queiroz, who was sacked after a disappointing first season as Real coach, was linked with the Spurs post.

But reports said Wednesday the Portuguese coach was keen to return to Old Trafford as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant.

The 51-year-old will take over as Ferguson's right-hand man from Walter Smith, who left the club last month.

Queiroz left Manchester United for the Bernabeu last summer on a two-year deal to become Real head coach.

But his failure to win a trophy saw him relieved of his duties after just one season.

He was linked with the vacant managerial post at White Hart Lane although Spurs director of football Frank Arnesen said they were still running the rule over different possibilities.

Spurs have been linked with Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni, Celtic manager Martin O'Neill and sacked Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri since Glenn Hoddle was sacked in September.

Ferguson was keen to have Queiroz back in his bid to reclaim the Premiership title from Arsenal.