LEEDS, England Leeds United Chairman Peter Ridsdale says he would not stand in the way of his Manager David O'Leary if he wanted to move to Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Manchester United Manager Alex Ferguson retires at the end of next season and the club is set to start its search for a replacement early next year.

"David has got more freedom to act here than probably any other league manager, but if he feels that moving to a club that has won just about everything for the last seven years is something he wants to do, then so be it," Ridsdale told the **** Daily Mail **** newspaper on Wednesday.

"That might be seen as a way to be remembered as a great manager, but if he wins trophies at this club, I know that he'll go down in history -- anybody who goes to Old Trafford will be just following in the master's footsteps."

O'Leary has been a great success since becoming Leeds manager in October 1998, turning a club in transition into a force in the European game.

Last season Leeds reached the semifinals of the Champions League and finished fourth in the Premier League.

But they have yet to win any silverware and Ridsdale believes that is one reason why O'Leary should stay, Reuters reported.

"We've got a very good professional relationship. I don't think we disagree on our strategy or direction," Ridsdale said.

"The only reason David won't be manager of Leeds will be if he walks out, because he and I are in this together and I've told him that.

"He's the best young manager in the country and we're totally committed.

"We've had two seasons beyond our dreams -- getting to the UEFA Cup semifinals (in 2000) and finishing third in the Premier League, then reaching the Champions League semis and just missing out on third again.

"But this is only year three of a five-year plan and the Champions League means so much financially these days. Anything beyond is icing on the cake.

"It took Alex Ferguson seven years before he managed his first championship."