(Reuters) – Alex Ferguson sees himself becoming a director at Manchester United when he finally decides to quit management.
The 71-year-old Scot, who shelved retirement plans more than a decade ago, still has no idea when he will call it a day.
Manchester United's manager Alex Ferguson watches his players during a training session at the club's Carrington training complex in Manchester, northern England February 12, 2013. REUTERS/Phil Noble
"There's no getting rid of me," Ferguson, who has been in the Old Trafford hot seat since 1986, said in an interview with twentyfour7 Football magazine published on Friday.
Ferguson, whose side have a 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League, has guided United to many titles including two Champions League trophies, five FA Cups and 12 league crowns.
Even though he is still in the job, there is often media speculation about who will fill the vacancy once it comes up.
Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho, a good friend of Ferguson's who is heading to Old Trafford this week for Tuesday's Champions League last 16 second leg, is one of the most heavily fancied candidates.
"Your job is not to change you, it's to change what you're taking over. Change the team, the philosophy of a football club to your philosophy. Never change who you are.
"Looking at my present crop, it's difficult, but the likes of (Ryan) Giggs and (Paul) Scholes will be part of the structure here. Darren Fletcher in the long term possibly and Nicky Butt is with the reserves," he said.
"We look ahead because that is succession planning in terms of structure – they've the experience of being at the club, being a player here, knowing what it takes to be a winner. It's good to have it here, keep it within the club."
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