Mark Pougatch: "Kidd was offered more money to stay"

Kidd's departure has led to the sort of speculation normally reserved for manager's jobs at other clubs, and some of the names mentioned are already in charge elsewhere.

Sheffield United boss Steve Bruce and Hibernian manager Alex McLeish are among names being touted.

Alex Ferguson: Accepts they had to let Kidd go

Former United star Brian McClair, and recently sacked Wolves manager Mark McGhee are also supposed to be in the running.

Reserve team coach Jim Ryan has stepped into the void - at least for the time being.

Blackburn striker Kevin Gallacher on Kidd's appointment

Ferguson had no hesitation in turning to him: "I will take Jim Ryan with me tomorrow. Jim's a very experienced man and he knows the club."

But finding a permanent replacement may be tougher - Kidd has been at Ferguson's side throughout most of his triumphs during the 1990s.

Kidd and the Frenchman: Might fans want Cantona back?

Chief executive Martin Edwards said last week that Kidd would only leave "over my dead body", and although he eventually relented it was not before offering the assistant more money.

Kidd's role was significant - he had taken over an increasingly large amount of the day-to-day running of the squad.

And the job is high profile enough for United's fans to demand the sort of replacement other clubs would be delighted to have as number one.

Bruce: Already experiencing stress of management

United legend Paddy Crerand thinks Steve Bruce is the man for the job.

"All the players would respect him because Steve is someone who has seen it and done it all.

"I think he has the qualities to become another Brian Kidd for Manchester United.

"He's not happy at Sheffield United, where he's doing a fine job on restricted resources.

"He was promised a lot of money, but it has not turned out like that. I think he would jump at the chance to come back and I feel he would be a great acquisition for United."

McClair: One of Fergie's first signings

Brian McClair is another of Ferguson's early signings who could be brought back.

He left in the summer to go to Motherwell and the Scottish club are keen to resist any attempt to take him south of the border.

"It is pure speculation," said a spokesman. "We have had no approach from Manchester United."

Tony Parkes: Looking forward to new man's arrival

To add to a complex plot the Scotsman has also been tipped to team up with Kidd at Blackburn, although the Lancashire club has confirmed that long-term servant Tony Parkes is staying on the Ewood coaching staff.

While Bruce and McClair are Old Trafford heroes, Mark McGhee has no direct link with the club.

McGhee: Looking for a job?

But his connection with Ferguson goes back even further, to Fergie's successful Aberdeen team of the 1980s in which McGhee played.

The Scotsman managed Reading successfully, before walking out for Leicester, and then Wolves, where he recently got the sack.

But would United's fans accept a man who failed despite the resources at his disposal at Molineux?

Alex McLeish is another former member of Ferguson's Aberdeen team, and like McClair, his Scottish club have already moved to try to take him out of the race.

McLeish (left) during the Aberdeen glory years

Hibs chairman Tom O'Malley is infuriated by the speculation: "We would be very resistant if this avenue was to be pursued."

He promised to fight any approach "tooth and nail".

Hibs are currently top of the Scottish First Division after McLeish failed to save them from relegation last year.

Eric le deux?

Other outsiders include Mike Phelan, the midfielder Ferguson brought from Norwich, and who is now assistant boss at Stockport.

And some fans have even mentioned Eric Cantona, the French hero who turned his back on football last year.

Now that would be a popular and controversial choice, but would he be willing to commit to the day-to-day involvement required?

Whoever is chosen, time is not on United's side. Kidd left on the eve of United's biggest games so far this season, at home and abroad.