Sir Alex Ferguson insists football will remain the priority at Manchester United when David Moyes takes over at Old Trafford.
Ferguson's exit as United boss has sparked concerns that United's ever-growing commercial arm will become even more powerful.
With suggestions that Moyes will not have the power to resist their demands as Ferguson has been able to.
And with the Scot remaining on the club's board, he is certain his successor will have no such problems.
"The priority is the football team," Ferguson said.
"Without the football team they wouldn't have all the sponsorships.
"Everyone knows that here.
"David will soon realise the enormity of this club," Ferguson added.
"Although I think he does already, he has to fit into the global brand and number of sponsors we've got.
"I don't think that is an issue. He's got a good squad of players and he'll want to add to that himself.
"I've spoken to David a few times. He will have his own ideas and I would imagine he will want to come in quite soon and speak to staff."
And, speaking ahead of his final game in charge of Manchester United on Sunday, Ferguson added: "People used to say to me 'do you think this one will be a manager or manage United' about players who are not even in the job now.
"Football is that kind of industry..
"When you're assessing the job here you have to get somebody who has the longevity and the experience over a long time to manage this club.
"That is why David was above everyone else.
"I hope (he can be there for a long time).
"It's the one club he could do that at. We've shown great loyalty to our managers."
