Man Utd begin search for new boss

Suspects: Wenger, O'Neill, O'Leary, Hitzfeld and Capello

Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon will go Christmas shopping to find the perfect replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson retires as United manager at the end of next season and United have already drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements.

Kenyon also revealed that United have a strict set of criteria required from their new manager.

These include:

• Commitment to youth development
• Feel for flair football
• Proven managerial record at highest level
• Big name manager with worldwide reputation
• Work with Ferguson in a non-football capacity

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill and Bayern Munich boss Ottmar Hitzfeld are said to be at the top of United's wanted list, but David O'Leary, Fabio Capello and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also fit the bill.

The right man will not be fazed by Sir Alex looking over his shoulder

Man Utd chief executive Peter Kenyon

Kenyon insisted: "I think it is the biggest job in football.

"Our list includes foreigners and does not rule out anyone.

"It might be the hardest job in football, but it is also the best job in the game," he told the Daily Mail.

United are committed to their youth policy, in which they have invested millions of pounds in the hope of continuing their success in developing youngsters.

Kenyon added: "The philosophy of the new guy has to be about the development of home-grown talent. That is fundamental to the core of Manchester United.

"Just look at our investments in youth development, the building of a training headquarters at Carrington and another £8m spent on the Academy.

"Culturally, he will have to believe in the development of youth."

Of the other requirements, Kenyon added: " He (the new manager) must have a substantial record of achievement.

"There is also a style of play our supporters expect. They expect us to win but they also expect us to win with flair.

"We will look at track records and, obviously, it is important that this is not his first managerial role."

Kenyon is also adamant that the new manager will not be fazed by the continued presence of Ferguson, albeit in a non-football capacity.

Hitzfeld says he is not interested in the job

"Alex is not going to be based at Carrington or Old Trafford but the right man will not be fazed by Sir Alex looking over his shoulder."

United's search may take all season however, with problems surrounding a number of their targets.

O'Neill is tied into a cast-iron contract with Celtic and United would need to part with a huge sum in compensation in order to prize him away.

Hitzfeld, who guided Bayern to the Champions League last season, has already said he is not interested in moving to Old Trafford.

Kenyon's strict criteria may also rule out several names on the United shortlist.

O'Leary, in particular, cannot claim to be in the proven winner's bracket, while Celtic's superb treble last season marked O'Neill's first taste of glory at the highest level.

Wenger could emerge as the leading candidate, as he passes all requirements with flying colours and is out of contract at the end of next season.

But Kenyon added: "Now, and for the rest of this year, it is about this season.

"It won't be until after Christmas that we seriously address the succession."