Sir Alex Ferguson keen to stay at Manchester United as ambassador - Daily Mail

By Sportsmail Reporter

Last updated at 9:35 AM on 20th February 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson says he wants to stay on at Manchester United when he eventually quits as manager.

The United manager believes he has another 'two or three years' left at United and believes there will still be a role for him to play at the club when he does retire.

The 70-year-old Scot says he would be keen on a similar ambassadorial role to the one that Sir Bobby Charlton has at the club.

Keen to continue: Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to remain at Old Trafford when he steps down as manager

'I will remain active. I think there will be a role for me at United after I finish,' he told BBC Radio 5 Live in an interview to be broadcast on Monday evening.

In his time at United the club have won 12 Premier League titles, two European Cups, five FA Cups and four League Cups making the club one of the most decorated sides in world football.

He was due to retire at the end of the 2001-02 campaign after United won the title, but decided the challenge of rebuilding another United team was too good to walk away from.

'I think you always want to go out on a winning note,' said Ferguson.

'Hopefully we can do that. I don't know how long I can last now but if my health stays up I don't think another two or three years would harm me.'

One things that keeps Ferguson going is the rivalry with Liverpool which he says is not seen anywhere else.

He added: 'The thing about us and Liverpool is the rivalry, the rivalry is unparalleled. They are the most fantastic games.

'They're unparalleled in British history in terms of the success of both clubs and that's why we need each other.'

There has been constant speculation about who will succeed Ferguson, with a string of former players linked with the job at various times.

But Jose Mourinho remains one of the favorites for the post and Ferguson believes he would be given more 'freedom' at United than he currently has at Real Madrid.

Ferguson also spoke of his life away from his work, confirming he is a football addict who spends much of his home life watching matches with his grandchildren.

'I normally watch a game every night,' he said. 'The way that football is today, you have football on every night of the week. The only night when you don't is Thursday and now I'll be involved in those games.'

On his grandchildren, he added: "Harvey is the know-all, he's a million questions a second. Harvey's favourite is Nani. I have to say: 'Harvey, give us a break. One question at a time please.' They come to as many games as they can.'

He also says his wife is keen for him to remain active and has even suggested he becomes a milkman when he steps down as Manchester United manager.

20 Feb, 2012