Fortune hails Queiroz

Quinton Fortune has expressed his admiration for Man Utd's Carlos Queiroz.

The South African feels it is like having two managers at Old Trafford such is the influence of Queiroz, who is tipped by some to become Sir Alex Ferguson's eventual successor.

Ferguson himself has helped instil some real bite into Fortune's play.

"Fergie tells us you've always got to be there if a team-mate is in trouble," the midfielder told Kick Off in his homeland.

"That's what he tells us to do.

"I have a special relationship with Carlos Queiroz. He is very good to me. But then, he is good with all the players.

"He speaks many languages, you know, besides Portuguese and English, he speaks French and Italian.

"He relates to all the players but Carlos is more of a manager than a coach.

"It is like we have two managers. We've got Mike Phelan for the coaching; Carlos is like the Gaffer."

Fortune has revealed his friendship with Old Trafford idol Wayne Rooney, even though he appreciates the former Everton striker is still in the early years of his career.

"He is one of my mates at the club," said Fortune.

"The old group used to go out together quite a lot but they are all settled with families now, so it's a bit different.

"Most of the married guys go home straight after training but I do hang around with [Cristiano] Ronaldo, Wayne, Tim Howard and also 'Kleb' [Kleberson].

"Wayne is a baby. He's still a kid. He has this reputation for swearing and all that but, honestly, off the pitch, he's just like a little baby.

"On the pitch, he is different, but that is because he is ultra-competitive like most of us.

"He is competitive in all games, even PlayStation.

"Ronnie's more into what he looks like - he's a fashion guy. But he's also a great guy to be with.

"I think Tim's a great goalkeeper. My wife also spends quite a bit of time with his wife Laura. Kleb's also a good guy.

"I hope he stays at the club because he is a very good player. He struggled a bit to acclimatise, being Brazilian he is used to great weather.

"He is family-oriented and they are used to doing a lot of things outdoors together. But he's getting used to it in England, and he is fit again after his injury, so I hope he stays."

The 28-year-old is determined to help United to glory next season after they finished behind Chelsea and Arsenal last term.

"I like being the underdog," he enthused. "But players who have been at the club longer than me were used to success and they might find it difficult.

"I think it's great for competition. It makes it more exciting for the fans, so it is good for football."