Queiroz leaves Man United to become Portugal coach

By Carlos Pontes

LISBON (Reuters) - Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has been named Portugal coach for the second time, the Football Federation (FPF) said on Friday.

Queiroz, who fills the post left vacant by Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari, will sign a four-year contract. He is scheduled to be formally presented at a news conference on July 16.

"I am very proud and honoured to be able to go back and serve my country," the FPF quoted Queiroz as saying on its website (www.fpf.pt) "This is a very special position that any professional would want.", he added.

"The first big objective is to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa (in 2010)."

His first game in charge will be a friendly against Faroe Islands next month ahead of their World Cup qualifying campaign against Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania and Malta.

Scolari stepped down after Euro 2008, following 5-1/2 years in charge, to join Premier League Chelsea who will again be one of the main challengers to champions United for the title.

United tried hard to keep their assistant manager at the club but must now prepare for the campaign without Queiroz, who added: "I want to thank Manchester United for the agreement reached, which made my return to Portugal possible".

MIXED SUCCESS