Carlos Queiroz has spoken about the unexpected phone call from former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson that he says altered the direction of his coaching career and led him to one of football’s most prestigious roles.
The current Black Stars head coach recalled the moment while reflecting on the path that eventually took him to Old Trafford, describing how he was preparing to leave Mozambique and return to Portugal when Ferguson contacted him.
“I was in Mozambique. I was in the bush. So the phone rang, and I answered to Alex. He asked, ‘What’s your future plan?’ I answered, ‘I’m packing, and I’m on my way back to Lisbon,’” Queiroz said.
According to Queiroz, Ferguson quickly raised the possibility of joining Manchester United’s coaching staff.
“Do you mind coming to Manchester United so we can talk for a while? Because I want to see if you will accept this challenge and come and work with me at Man United,” the former United manager asked.
Queiroz said the opportunity required little consideration, given the stature of the Premier League club and Ferguson’s reputation in world football.
“So when Man United calls, you don’t think too much, to be honest. So I travelled to Lisbon. I was on my way back. Sat with Alex for one minute. My decision was already made,” he recalled.
The Portuguese coach explained that the conversation marked the beginning of what he described as one of the defining experiences of his professional life. He later became part of Ferguson’s backroom staff at Manchester United, where he worked alongside one of football’s most successful managers.
Queiroz also revealed that Ferguson later referred to him in his book and expressed satisfaction with the appointment.
“And we started the journey at Manchester United. It was one of the best adventures of my life,” he said.
The remarks offer insight into the relationship between the two coaches and the circumstances that brought Queiroz into elite European football management.
Ferguson, widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest managers, enjoyed enormous success during his time at Manchester United, turning the club into a dominant force in English and European football. For Queiroz, the invitation represented a major turning point in a coaching career that has since taken him across several countries and international teams.
Now, the experienced Portuguese coach is preparing for another major chapter in football as he takes charge of Ghana’s national team.
Queiroz is currently leading the Black Stars as they look ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His appointment signals a new era for Ghanaian football, with expectations high as the four-time African champions seek to re-establish themselves on the global stage.
The coach’s recollection of Ferguson’s call comes at a time when he is beginning his latest challenge in international football. Having previously experienced some of the biggest environments in the sport, Queiroz will now attempt to use that experience to guide Ghana through the next phase of their football journey.
His story also highlights how a single moment can shape a career, with one phone call from Ferguson opening the door to an opportunity that Queiroz says became “one of the best adventures” of his life.
