Premiership: Fergie’s staying because he’s ‘not tired’

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he is carrying on for another three years as Manchester United manager because: ‘‘I’m not tired.’’

When Ferguson announced when he agreed his last contract in May 1999 that he would retire this summer, he felt that 60 would be the right age to go.

However his family have persuaded him to change his mind because he is still fit and enthusiastic about the game.

Ferguson said: ‘‘My family all felt you should only retire when you’re tired and I’m not tired.’’

With hindsight, Ferguson admits that he made a mistake in announcing three years ago that he would retire this summer.

He believes now that he should have waited to see how he felt closer to the time.

However Ferguson claims that he wanted to give the club as much time as possible to line up his successor.

‘‘I made a mistake announcing my retirement in the first place, but I did that in fairness to the club,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ve changed my mind and hopefully it’s the right decision.’’

United were due to hold a press conference either today or sometime early this week at Old Trafford to announce officially Ferguson’s new contract.

The three-year deal will make Ferguson, who has been in charge at United since November 1986, the best paid manager in British football and it has been reported he will earn between £3.5m (€5.7m) and £4.5m (€7.3m) a year.