Ferguson backtracks on Man United retirement again

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- History is repeating itself at Manchester United, with manager Alex Ferguson again backtracking on retirement plans.

After winning the Premier League and Champions League titles in May, the 66-year-old Ferguson announced plans to quit Old Trafford within three years.

But Ferguson, who had previously announced that the 2001-02 season was to have been his last, is now having second thoughts.

"The retirement issue is completely out of my mind now,'' Ferguson said ahead of Sunday's derby against Manchester City. "I don't ever think about it. I am not going to put myself in a situation where I say to myself I am retiring this year or next.

"It's difficult to say whether I will be a manager at 70. People ask why I should pack it in - and it is a good point.''

Ferguson has managed Man United since 1986 and won 10 Premier League titles and the Champions League twice to be English football's most successful manager.

Now, it seems only health problems could accelerate his departure. Ferguson had a pacemaker fitted four years ago due to a heart irregularity.

"If my health deteriorated, that solves the problem for everyone,'' he joked to reporters. "You would be rid of me for good! Secondly, it's about my team. If they are doing well, then there's no pressure on me.''

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

While he had led Aberdeen to consecutive Scottish titles and a European Cup Winners' Cup, guiding United to its first English title since 1967 was a struggle.

The turning point was an FA Cup triumph in 1990 and the European Cup Winners' Cup the following season, beating Barcelona in the final. Ferguson's United finally won the English league in 1992.

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