Ferguson still hungry for more

Former Manchester United striker Mark Robins believes not even winning another European Cup will persuade Alex Ferguson to retire.

Ferguson celebrates a remarkable 20 years at Old Trafford today but Robins feels his old boss will be around for some time yet.

United won a memorable Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 1999 to complete an unprecedented treble but have failed to get beyond the semi-finals since.

“I would imagine that he still hankers after another European Cup,” said Robins, whose winning goal against Nottingham Forest in the 1990 FA Cup was widely believed to have kept Ferguson in his job.

“The feeling that he got during the treble year must have been unbelievable.

“But winning it again would probably not be enough for him – he’d have to go for his hat-trick wouldn’t he?

“He’s in good health, he loves his job and I think he’ll be around for a few years yet.”

Ferguson’s 20-year reign at Old Trafford has been nothing short of astonishing.

And yet United have arguably underachieved in Europe, with last season’s exit in the group stages another painful failure.

Robins, 36, added: “Europe is the pinnacle because of the quality of the teams in the competition and the money which is spent.

“But it’s essentially a cup competition. The bread and butter of the Premiership is really important because that’s something that you can use as a springboard for the next step.”

Robins, now working as head of youth at League One side Rotherham, feels United are well-equipped to reclaim the Premiership title this season.

He said: “Fergie wants to build another team and that’s what he’s doing.

“With players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick, it’s a youthful team and it’s evolving.

“That keeps Fergie young and to do the job he’s done for the past 20 years has been frightening really.”

Robins, an Oldham lad who grew up supporting United, believes his old boss is irreplaceable.

He added: “If you think about another man being there it just wouldn’t seem right because he’s been there for that long now.

“He’s got that inner drive which drives him on and he’s used to the job and there’s not many people that could do it.

“He’s got the job off to an absolute tee because he’s done it for so long and has moulded things around him being there.”

Despite Ferguson’s fearsome reputation, Robins reckons his old boss is often unfairly portrayed.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’ve witnessed his ‘hairdryer treatment’ plenty of times but he’s a special character,” he added.

“I saw him in March at the Geoff Thomas charity match and there are just little things he says that make you realise what a special man he is.

“He’s a truly great manager and I’ve nothing but admiration and respect for him.”