Various names have been thrown into the hat over the last year or so but today Atkinson shocked the nation by suggesting Graeme Souness could handle the job.
Writing in his column in today's Guardian, Atkinson says: "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."