World Kick Off

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed his time at Manchester United is drawing toward a close, insisting he will hang up his managerial mantle within the next three years…

Wednesday’s Champions League triumph over Chelsea in Moscow secured United their 29th trophy since Ferguson took charge of the club back in 1986.

The Scot’s phenomenal success at Old Trafford has seen him earn a place alongside compatriot Sir Matt Busby as one of the very greatest managers in the Red Devils’ illustrious history.

Many have speculated that Ferguson would step down after clinching his second Champions League crown, and the 66-year-old confirmed he will most definitely retire within the next three years.

“I won’t be manager here when I’m 70 and I won’t be managing any more than another three years at the very, very most,” he said. “That is without question.

“I think most things will be my decision. And I think David Gill [United’s chief executive] is happy with that.”

Replacement

A list of potential successors to Ferguson’s throne has been gradually forming over last few seasons, with names like Roy Keane, Paul Ince, Steve Coppell and Bryan Robson – United greats all – being mentioned.

But Sir Alex, despite hinting recently that assistant coach Carlos Queiroz would get his vote, typically refused to comment on such matters, insisting they are beyond his authority.

He said: “It’s not my job to groom a replacement and it wouldn’t be fair to tell the Glazers what to do.”

Mike Maguire