Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed speculation that he is going to retire at the end of next season.
Ferguson will celebrate his 69th birthday at the end of this year and has shown no sign of being affected by the pressures of being United boss since 1986.
However, the Scot has always stated that his health is of paramount importance and stories have emerged recently claiming he would leave his job at the end of next term, with Jose Mourinho lined up as his successor.
Ferguson was more amused than outraged when the suggestion was put to him ahead of tomorrow's crucial Premier League encounter with Tottenham at Old Trafford but he insisted the reports are false.
"It is rubbish," said Ferguson. "There is no truth in it. I have no intention of retiring and if I did the people I would tell are [chief executive] David Gill and the Glazer family."
With a 12th Premier League title suddenly back on the agenda following Tottenham's victory over Chelsea last week, Ferguson has plenty to occupy his mind at present.
"It is what you have to accept in life," he added. "There is pressure in life and I can deal with it.
"The only thing that determines whether I stay here is my health and I am in rude health."
Ferguson also expects Ben Foster still to be at United next season.
Foster had been tipped to earn a place in Fabio Capello's England World Cup squad this summer and started two internationals on the trot, against Belarus and Brazil during the autumn.
The goalkeeper then questioned how he could be first choice for his country, having seemingly slipped to No3 in the pecking order at Old Trafford.
As the situation has not altered, and Foster's hopes of reaching South Africa have evaporated in the process, a summer transfer seemed inevitable.
Tottenham are said to be one of the clubs interested, with others doubtless expressing an interest should Foster become available.
Read More
However, Ferguson (right) said: "Ben has been unfortunate. He made some mistakes earlier this season and Tomasz Kuszczak got in. His form has been great. Every time he played he was outstanding. So, what do I do? Do I pick Ben because he is English or go with form?
"But Ben has fantastic talent and I am sure he will be tremendous next year.
"The boy has just signed a new contract and has never said anything to me, so as far as I am concerned, he will be here."
Wes Brown returns to face Tottenham tomorrow after recovering from the broken foot he suffered at Wolves at the beginning of March.
However, Owen Hargreaves will not be involved as his planned comeback has been delayed by a calf strain.
