Carlos Queiroz has edged closer to being named as Luiz Felipe Scolari’s successor as Portugal coach. The Manchester United assistant manager has indicated that he would like to take up the post, if the club can reach a resolution with the Portuguese football federation.

It will leave Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, searching for a sixth assistant since he became manager in 1986. Brian McClair, the club’s academy director, could be among the possible replacements.

Queiroz, who arrived in Lisbon yesterday, is in his second spell at United, after he returned to Old Trafford four years ago from an unsuccessful period as Real Madrid coach.

“I am not able to discuss things because right now the situation is not in my hands,” Queiroz said. “From my part, there is not much to say, it needs to be resolved between the federation and Manchester United. I have spoken with the two parties and now I wait for movement. I can say little more than you know at this time.”

Queiroz has a breadth of experience as a coach on four continents, having worked at Sporting Lisbon, where he succeeded Sir Bobby Robson, Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan, succeeding Arsène Wenger, and at the New York/New Jersey MetroStars in the United States.

He coached Portugal for three years from 1991, but stood down after they failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup finals.