Newcastle United's prospective new owners face a huge call over whether to stick with current boss Steve Bruce or hire a new manager, according to Jamie Carragher.
The Magpies are reportedly on the verge of being sold to a Saudi Arabia-backed consortium which involves Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for around £300million.
A 31-page charge agreement lodged at Companies House has paved the way legally for a deal to be finalised with potential buyer Amanda Staveley.
Financier Staveley, whose firm is PCP Capital Partners, is leading a bid backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund and the Reuben brothers (Simon and David).
If a deal is finalised it would end Mike Ashley's 13-year reign at St James' Park which has included renaming the stadium and fan boycotts.
Newcastle fan favourite Rafa Benitez departed as manager last summer due to differences of opinion regarding his budget.
Former Manchester United defender Bruce currently manages the Magpies, and has been credited with doing a solid job given the limited finances on offer.
But speaking on Sky Sports' Football Show on Thursday morning, ex-Liverpool defender Carragher said: "The big thing for Newcastle is, the supporters had a manager they adored in Rafa Benitez and Mike Ashley lost him, and they brought in Steve Bruce, who I think has done a brilliant job. But he's still not universally loved up there, for whatever reason.
"The interesting thing now is whether that is one of the first decisions. You talk about buying and selling players but the most important person at a football club is a manager and I'd love Bruce to actually get the opportunity to show what he can do in terms of the transfer market.
"But that will be the biggest decision these new owners have got to make. Do they stick with Steve Bruce?
"Or do they go and try to get Benitez back or another big-name manager? That's probably actually more important in the supporter's eyes than the players they bring in."
Additional reporting by PA.
