Football FanCast guest columnist James Marsh wonders what Sir Alex has done to deserve these last few weeks.

When Sir Alex Ferguson took that flight back from Moscow, I wonder what was occupying his thoughts. Having witnessed his Manchester United side, some 24hrs earlier, complete a much deserved Premier & Champions League double, you can forgive the Scot for thinking that life couldn't get any better.

They say a week is a long time in football; however the last six has proved something of an eternity and while Sir Alex should have been sitting back with some Sangria and Costa Del rays, he has been left, having to fight tooth and nail to keep two of its most influential members at the football club.

There is no point adding more column inches to the Cristiano Ronaldo debate as that ship has already sailed, but news that the Portuguese FA are looking to approach Carlos Queiroz is of massive concern to Fergie and one that must represent an even greater fear, than the departure of the winger.

I bet Sir Alex cannot believe what he has ever done to deserve this and I'm sure he is cursing the name Phil Scolari with every baited breath. The Brazilian publicly came out in the Euros and endorsed his star player's move to Madrid, recently moved on our nearest rivals Chelsea and his subsequent departure from Portugal has opened the door for Queiroz to manage his country - could it have been anymore perfect for Chelsea?

So what can Sir Alex Ferguson do? There is no question that he will want his valuable assistant to stay, but how can you stand in the way of someone having the opportunity to manage their national side? Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Carlos Queiroz has worked wonders at the football club and his role cannot be underestimated. He is a massive influence on the dressing room, especially over Ronaldo, has a fantastic eye for a player and was instrumental in the recent arrivals at Old Trafford, notably Anderson and Nani. Many expected him to be the natural successor to Sir Alex, when he decides to step down, but will the lure of managing his country prove to irresistible for Queiroz; he left United for Madrid, so how is he going to turn down his country?