Ferguson staying put

Alex Ferguson insists he is going nowhere – even at a time when it was confirmed he is scheduled for a summer hip operation.

He is booked in for surgery when he returns from the club’s pre-season tour at the end of July. The timings seem odd as, presumably, Ferguson could have the operation now, when it would not impact on the season, as it almost certainly will next summer. That has led to suggestions it might be a cover story for Ferguson’s retirement.

However, in his programme notes ahead of yesterday’s encounter with Chelsea, written before the hip issue became public knowledge, Ferguson underlined his desire to carry on.