Wenger, Houllier tipped for Man Utd

Wenger (l) and Houllier: Knowledge of English game

Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer believes Arsene Wenger or Gerard Houllier should take over from Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United boss.

The German legend made the recommendation after insisting that Bayern manager Ottmar Hitzfeld will not be taking over at Old Trafford when Fergsuon retires next summer.

He argued that Arsenal boss Wenger and Liverpool manager Houllier had the knowledge of English football required to take over at United.

He told BBC Five Live: "Of course they can take the job at Manchester United, although Arsenal and Liverpool would obviously not be happy about this."

Beckenbauer thinks United should keep Fergie

Hitzfeld has consistently been linked with the United manager's job during the last couple of years.

But Beckenbauer said: "I think Ottmar feels so comfortable in Munich and he has a contract until 2004.

"It is a great honour for him to be mentioned with Manchester United - along with Real Madrid and Bayern they are one of the best three clubs in the world.

"But I don't think it is in his mind to move away from Bayern."

Beckenbauer argued that United should do all they can to keep Ferguson, who has said he will sever all ties with the club next summer, at Old Trafford.

"The best thing to do would be to keep Sir Alex," Beckenbauer said.

"He is a great, great man and a great manager. Maybe the best way for Manchester United will be to convince him to sign another 10-year contract.

"Or maybe he could take another position, where he is not so deeply involved as he was for the last 15 or 16 years.

"To have an Alex Ferguson with his experience and this name and this recognition - it would be best for Manchester United to keep him."