I’ll still be boss at 70, says Fergie

Having previously suggested he had no intention of working much beyond his mid-60s, the United manager has admitted this week that he could continue in his role for another three or four years.

The 66-year-old boss, whose side host Portsmouth in an FA Cup quarter- final today, hinted at what drives him on towards a quarter of a century at United as he said: 'The thing to achieve is to maintain the success levels and the standard of play, to fill the ground —that's important.

'It's Manchester United. There's always going to be that expectation level.

'It's not a matter of adding anything more to what I've done. It's a matter of maintaining the success level. The past doesn't really matter at that point. It's the future. Today's the day.'

Ferguson has been deliberately obtuse about his plans since postponing his retirement back in 2001 and this week represents the first time he has even hinted at a definitive strategy.

In a French radio interview — and speaking partly in French — Ferguson said: 'Maybe three more years and I will finish.'

Last night he added: 'I'm not saying I will definitely do three years. It's a possibility. It's difficult to pigeon-hole myself in that one because it could be four years. Who knows? It could be tomorrow.

'Nothing's changed in my mind. One thing that can change is your health and also the success of the team. But I think we've made a good decision over the last couple of years in terms of the future of the club and team.

'The youth policy is strong. There's a good balance and a good prospect ahead for the club.'

The great United manager Sir Matt Busby was in charge of team affairs for 24 years between 1945 and 1969 and it is possible that Ferguson, in charge since November 1986, will remain longer than the man who won the club their first European Cup in 1968.

Ferguson, however, claims that is not something which drives him and insisted last night he merely wishes to leave behind a squad with potential to improve.

He said: 'That's the perfect time, as you know you've done your job. When I make the decision I would be satisfied the club's in good hands.'

Ferguson meets his old friend Harry Redknapp at Old Trafford for today's lunchtime kick-off and believes it is no coincidence that the top end of the Barclays Premier League is populated by teams with experienced managers.

'Yes, there was a period about 10 years ago where clubs were given to managers who were players who had just finished playing,' said Ferguson.

'I don't think any of them, apart from Bryan Robson, worked. It's not easy going in off a playing field to manage top clubs. Going to start at the bottom is a good way.

'Harry has had different challenges to what I face and I think his affinity with Portsmouth is a strong one. There's something about Portsmouth and Harry that seems a good combination. They are probably made for each other and he's proved that by turning the Newcastle job down.

'That was a big temptation for Harry. Any manager would be tempted to take on a challenge like that, but he turned it down because he recognises where he's best placed.'

Portsmouth striker Kanu is looking forward to being on the same pitch as United's Cristiano Ronaldo — but doesn't fear him.

After undergoing open heart surgery at the age of 20 to replace a faulty aorta valve and then fighting to resume his football career, the 31-year-old Nigerian is afraid of nothing.

He said: 'Ronaldo is a player I enjoy to watch, he is one of the best in the world, but I don't shake with fear. He is just a name. He plays football and we play football.

'If we go to United with fear and think we will be beaten 4-0 there would be no point in travelling all the way from Portsmouth.

'Of course we would prefer to be playing against Bristol Rovers or Barnsley, but maybe it is better to play them now rather than in the final.

'Games like this bring the best out of me. You want to show the whole world that you can play football.'