Ferguson has no plans to quit Man United yet

Sir Alex Ferguson has upset predictions on his possible retirement date after declaring he will will remain in the Manchester United hot seat for some time yet.

Having won all there is to win during 22 years at Old Trafford, including two of the club’s three Champions League/European Cup triumphs, Ferguson was widely expected to step down at the end of season.

However, the 66-year-old Scot – who previously stated he would step down at the end of the 2001/02 campaign, only to then go back on that decision – insists retirement is simply not an issue.

“Why would I pack it in at the moment?” the United chief said in the News of the World.

“I don’t ever think about it any more – it’s all out of my mind. It doesn’t even come into it now. I don’t even think about it.

“I am not even going to put myself into that situation where I am thinking: ‘Should I this year, should I next year?'”

Ferguson, who has been involved in football management for 30 years, said the only thing that would force him to make such a decision would be deteriorating health.

“If my health deteriorated, that solves the problem for everyone,” he added.

“You would be rid of me for good!

“Secondly, it’s about my team. If they are doing well, then there’s no pressure on me.”