Ferguson to quit Man United within three years

Sir Alex Ferguson will quit as Manchester United manager within three years, he told The Mail on Sunday newspaper.

Ferguson, who has been in charge at Old Trafford since 1986, said he would be gone by the time he reaches 70 in December 2011.

The 66-year-old, who guided the English Premier League champions to the Champions League title on Wednesday, said: “I won't be managing here any more than three years at the very, very most. Without question. I can assure you of that.”

Ferguson reneged on his original plan to retire six years ago.

“My wife, Cathy, was the one who talked me out of retiring last time but she wouldn't do that now,” he said.

“It's when you have to think about time for yourself. I think my wife deserves a bit of my time, too.”