Fergie: No thoughts of retiring

Alex Ferguson celebrates his 65th birthday on New Year’s Eve insisting he has no thoughts of retiring as Manchester United boss.

Ferguson has already rebuked his critics once this season for speculating it was time for the Scot to call it a day.

The Red Devils chief has already worked out his landmark birthday will entitle him to half-price travel on local transport and a heating allowance, as well as his state pension.

However, the financial perks of getting older are of no real benefit to a man who has spent the last two decades in one of the most highly-pressurised jobs in football.

And, as he reaches retirement age and despite being arguably the most successful manager British football has ever seen, Ferguson confirmed his enthusiasm and passion for driving United towards greater glory remains undimmed.

“I have a few more years left in me as Manchester United manager,” he told United Review.

“I am always reluctant to look too far ahead because you never know what is around the corner, but that does not mean I am weighed down with an undue fear of the future.

“I feel good. I have my health, my energy, my ambition and my commitment to create another great era. Yes, it is one of the most significant mileposts in life’s journey but I cannot say I feel on the verge of becoming an old man.”

Ferguson will spend his birthday evening on Tyneside as United prepare for their key Premiership clash with Newcastle the following day, eager to consolidate their four-point lead over Chelsea and maintain their push for a ninth league crown under their present manager.

Detached from the usual day-to-day responsibilities for his career and family, the proud Scot may allow himself a little more time to celebrate Hogmanay and relax the boundaries of a punishing schedule which would be enough to tire most men half his age.

“I am up early every morning,” he revealed. “Some mornings I wake up, watch the TV for an hour, then go back to sleep. But most days I get up between 6.30 and 6.45, then come straight into work.

“It is something I have done all my life. As a young boy, my dad used to get me up at 6am, it just becomes a habit.”

Although there are obvious comparisons with close friend Bobby Robson, who was managing in the top flight with Newcastle well into his 70s, Ferguson insists he does not look up to any footballing role model, believing there are plenty of other people in the same situation.

“What about farmers, milkmen, butchers and bakers?” he said.

“They all get up earlier than I do. They are the people I admire because they do it for a lifetime. When you look at farmers in particular, considering the elements in this country, I ask myself: 'Would I do that?'”