Manchester: Alex Ferguson says he will quit Manchester United within three years.

The revelation came days after winning the European Champions League, the 22nd trophy of his 22-year Old Trafford reign.

"I won't be managing here any more than three years at the very, very most," the 66-year-old Ferguson was quoted in the Mail on Sunday newspaper. "Without question. I can assure you of that."

His farewell to management might not be at United, but by steering a potential British soccer team to gold at the 2012 London Olympics.

Ferguson is English soccer's most decorated manager with 20 trophies in 20 seasons. He already knows what can happen by making retirement plans public.

The 2001-02 season was set to have been the Scot's last as United manager, but the team's performance declined after the announcement and he rescinded his decision.

United rebounded to win the 2003 Premier League title and Ferguson, who is on a one-year rolling contract, has not been specific about his plans since.

With its 17th English league title won earlier this month, Ferguson has guided United within one of matching Liverpool's record of 18.

Wednesday's second European Cup triumph bettered Matt Busby's lone victory with the Red Devils in 1968.

Ferguson previously has refused to set a timetable for his departure, but he has been discussing his exit from Old Trafford with increasing frequency in recent months.

The one-time apprentice toolmaker in Glasgow's shipyards came close to being fired just three years into his United career.

 

Source : PTI