Ferguson to stay on

Ferguson, now 65, originally intended to retire in 2002, but went back on his announcement in order to build a new team capable of challenging for the title. He managed that in 2003 and again last season, with the FA Cup and League Cup added to the trophy cabinet in between.

He admitted before the 2002-2003 season that making his plans public had affected the performance of his players.

"I will never set a date to retire," he reiterated. "I tried that some years ago and made a mistake.

"There are several things to consider but when you get to my age, you have to consider your health. Obviously it is something you cannot control, but I do feel good.

"At the moment I am enjoying working with some fantastic footballers, so I have no need to retire."

Ferguson will have been in the Old Trafford hot-seat for 21 years in October, making him the longest-serving in the domestic game. He is also the most successful manager in its history.

"One advantage I have had as a manager is that I have played the game," he continued. "When I started as a young manager at the age of 32, that was the most important credential.

"I also prepared to be a manager. I did all my coaching badges and never missed one summer course in 10 years. I was committed to the job and once I went into it I maintained the same things that I have today.

"I still have the same work ethic and I don't over-complicate the job. But there is some luck attached to it too. You have to be lucky to survive in football today."

Ferguson also cited the quality of the Red Devils' current squad as crucial to his future plans.

"It is important for us to have an entertaining, winning team," he said. "I am very pleased with the signings we have made in the summer because they have added to the quality in our team, whilst also taking a long-term view.

"We are very excited about the new season. We feel we have a progressive, maturing team that will only get better."

Having added Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson to the playing ranks, Ferguson is hopeful of bringing Carlos Tevez to the club.

Nani may debut against FC Seoul in a pre-season friendly on Thursday as United tour Asia after the winger recovered from an ankle injury. Hargreaves is out with a knee problem, but should be fit to face Shenzhen next Tuesday.