BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has laughed off comments suggesting he could become the next manager of Manchester United.

Former United boss Ron Atkinson has touted Souness as the ideal successor to Sir Alex Ferguson when the Scot steps down at the end of the season.

However, the Ewood chief has moved quickly to nip such suggestions in the bud.

"The only thing I'm bothered about is the job I've got on here which is to keep us out of trouble.

"But I hardly think Manchester United fans would take kindly to a former manager of Liverpool anyway."

Writing in his regular column in The Guardian, Atkinson had said: "Plenty of managers have been linked with Manchester United as the countdown begins to the end of Sir Alex Ferguson's reign.

"But one famous name has not been mentioned and that's the man I see as perfect for Old Trafford.

"Graeme Souness has the strength of personality, the CV and the aura to succeed Alex.

"There would be a natural respect from key players such as Roy Keane and, although Graeme's Liverpool connections are a stumbling block, I've always had the feeling he's a closet United fan."