Ferguson may postpone exit

Ferguson may be tempted to stay on

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says his mind is "fixed on retiring" at the moment but he will not completely rule out a change of heart.

Ferguson went into this season insisting it would be his last in charge at Old Trafford, and United are searching for his successor.

The United chief still plans to bow out at the end of the current campaign and admits it is unlikely he will change his mind.

But Ferguson has given a glimmer of hope to those United fans who hope he might be persuaded to extend his reign.

Who knows what will happen

Sir Alex Ferguson

Ferguson told the News of the World: "At the moment my mind is made up about retiring at the end of the season.

"Is there any possibility of me changing my mind? I don't think so but you never know what might happen.

"The club are looking for my successor but when the thing comes, nearer the time, who knows what will happen?"

After completing the signing of Juan Sebastian Veron in July, Ferguson agreed a five-year deal to stay on as a consultant with United when his current deal as manager runs out in May.

Ferguson had insisted before the final game of last season at Tottenham that he would be severing all ties with the champions at the end of the coming season.

He claimed the club had gone back on a promise over a proposed role as an ambassador for United.

But he hammered out an agreement with United ensuring he would prolong his 15-year association with the club.