Fergie to step down before 2012

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The Old Trafford boss has been loath to set a date for his Old Trafford departure after reneging on his original plan to retire six years ago.

But in the wake of United's Champions League final victory, the 66-year-old said in the Mail on Sunday: "I won't be managing here any more than three years at the very, very most. Without question. I can assure you of that."

Ferguson is already the most successful manager in the history of the English game, having won 20 major trophies in his time at Old Trafford.

But he is already beginning to ponder life after football, saying: "You have to think about time for yourself.

"I think my wife deserves a bit of my time, too.

"The older you get, the more you feel guilty about it.

"My wife, Cathy, was the one who talked me out of retiring last time but she wouldn't do that now."

But Ferguson, who has been United manager for more than 21 years, insists he has no immediate plans to step down.

"I know I would find it hard to give up managing United," he said. "I can't do it, not at the moment anyway."