I'm going nowhere - Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has no plans to step down as Manchester United manager.

The former Aberdeen boss, who has become the most successful British manager of all time, has also rejected claims he may consider his future if United were to win back the Premiership title this term.

"Retirement can wait, it is not a possibility for at least a couple of years," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I decided to retire back in 2002 and I regretted it. To have reconsidered that decision gave me a boost of energy."

It is a measure of Ferguson's longevity that the candidates to replace him have changed so often. Former Red Devils skipper Roy Keane is the latest man to force his name into the frame, having begun his own managerial career is such superb style at Sunderland.

Mark Hughes is another live option, while former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is believed to have been lined up to replace Ferguson until he performed his stunning retirement U-turn.

Ferguson's old friend Marcello Lippi has also been mentioned.

Lippi certainly has all the credentials to do the job, having enjoyed so much success at Juventus and then steered Italy to World Cup glory in Germany last summer.

"Any president who has great ambition should put Lippi at the top of his list if they are looking for a coach," said Ferguson.

"Marcello is an excellent tactician. There is no reason why he could not come to an English club but at this time I cannot see one available."