Ferguson Confident of Manchester United Legacy

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United will be well placed to continue their reign of success long beyond his own tenure at Old Trafford.

The United manager, who turns 67 on New Year's Eve, has refused to set a date for his retirement nor earmark a potential successor, but he nevertheless feels assured that the staff he has assembled over his 22-year reign can continue in his stead.

Talking to the the Manchester Evening News, Ferguson said: "This club is in great condition and has fantastic staff. What you have got to remember about this club is its continuity of staff.

"Some of the staff members have been with me a long time. My first signing at the club is still here. Les Kershaw joined the club in 1987, I made him chief scout and he did a magnificent job. He was probably one of my best ever signings.

"He was followed by people like Jim Ryan, Brian McClair — who's now academy director — Dave Bushell, Matt Dempsey, Tony Whelan, Paul McGuinness. These guys have been here for over 15 years, so when I go I would presume all these lads would still be in place and working hard for United."