Sir Alex Ferguson has stated his intention to carry on as
Manchester United manager for as long as he feels up to the
job.
The Scot will celebrate an incredible 21 years at the Old Trafford
helm in October, during which time he has become the most decorated
British manager of all time.
With nine Premier League titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups and
two major European trophies, including the 1999 Champions League,
on his CV, Ferguson knows he could quit immediately and still be
regarded as one of the finest managers football has ever
known.
However, after performing one famous retirement U-turn, the
65-year-old does not intend to do another.
And, looking ahead to the new campaign, Ferguson emphasised his
health is the most important factor in how long he will carry
on.
"I will never set a date to retire," he said.
"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 would appear to have plenty to look forward to this season
given the summer acquisitions of Owen Hargreaves, Nani and
Anderson.
Carlos Tevez's eventual arrival would offer even more attacking
options, ensuring the current Red Devils continue to fulfil the
legacy left by Sir Matt Busby.
"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."
After showing signs of progress in his recovery from an ankle
injury sustained on European Under-21 Championship duty with
Portugal, Nani could make his first United appearance against FC
Seoul on Thursday.
Hargreaves will miss out with a minor knee problem, although
Ferguson is confident the England international will be fit to face
Shenzhen in Macau next Tuesday.
With Dario Gradi vacating the manager's job at Crewe, Ferguson is
now the longest-serving boss in the English game.
The secret of his success, he claims, is keeping things simple,
having a long-term focus, and getting a bit of luck when it is
needed.
"One advantage I have had as a manager is that I have played the
game," he outlined.
"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 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."
