Ferguson intends to honour contract

Ferguson and McClaren may leave sooner than thought

Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has no intention of walking out on Manchester United before his contract expires at the end of next season.

The United boss stunned football on Friday when he said he would sever all ties with the club when his contract ends.

The 59-year-old had hoped for another job within the club but has apparently been told that will not now happen.

It is important for me that I complete my final year and get on with it

  Sir Alex Ferguson

"I had hoped there would be a role for me, but that's gone now - we've exhausted that," Ferguson explained.

"I have turned down quite a few opportunities to do something next year."

Many believe the failure to find Ferguson a new ambassadorial role within the club could lead to him leaving before his contract is officially up.

But he insisted: "It is my intention to be here next season and I am looking forward to it.

"I've got a great bunch of players who've got a certain character and team spirit that is special."

Ferguson expressed his disappointment at the way his glorious 16-year reign at Old Trafford will be coming to an end and said the outcome surprised him.

"These things happen in football - I'm not the only manager who's suffered that.

"I had half expected it for a while really and I wasn't really building up too much hope, so honestly it is not too much of a shock.

Steve McClaren is not short of offers

"It's a disappointment but I want to go out with my head held high knowing I've enjoyed the 16 years I'll have completed at the club.

"No way am I going to let the background things that happen at football clubs destroy the wonderful time I've had. It is important for me that I complete my final year and get on with it."

Ferguson stayed off the team flight to London for the game against Tottenham to hold talks with Peter Kenyon, the club's chief executive.

The rumour mill has begun to turn regarding Ferguson's future and it was suggested in Saturday's newspapers that the Scotsman could be approached by Spanish giants Barcelona.

United's mercurial manager said that he was uncertain what the future would hold for him.

He said: "I've not ruled out taking a manager's job. I'm not sure what I'm going to do now but I've got a year to think about it.

"But I've closed the door on United and I'm finishing next year. That's it closed, there is no mileage for me in this.

McClaren approaches

"I made a statement simply because I want to let people know that I'm going to be working next year and I don't think there's anything wrong with that."

When Ferguson announced his intention to retire, United offered him the chance to take up a new role as youth development manager.

He had also been touted as a possible worldwide ambassador for the Red Devils.

Ferguson also confirmed that there have been approaches for Steve McClaren, his number two at Old Trafford.

McClaren has been linked with the vacant managerial positions at Southampton and West Ham.

It was thought that McClaren may have taken over from Ferguson, but now that prospect seems unlikely.

"Steve's got other offers and I'm not a bit surprised that other people are interested in him," said Ferguson.

"He's an outstanding man, believe me. He can make a decision, he's honest and he has got great respect from players. He is a terrific coach and he spots things. He'll do well."