United play down Ferguson reports

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The date of Ferguson's retirement has frequently been the subject of intense speculation since his initial U-turn six years ago.

Ferguson himself is not interested in discussing the matter, maintaining the stance that as long as he is enjoying the job and remains fit and healthy, he will continue. And a United official said on Sunday: "We get this every year,"

Only once has Ferguson expressed any irritation over the subject being an issue of public debate, when he accused those suggesting he might quit of trying to railroad him into retirement.

Since that time, which came more than 12 months ago, the 66-year-old's inquisitors have tended to steer clear of the matter altogether.

While United accept one day someone is bound to get the date of Ferguson's departure correct, they insist no concrete plans are in place for the Scot to end his remarkable stint at Old Trafford, which is now three years into its third decade.