Ferguson will not retire in the next two years

ALEX Ferguson plans to remain as Manchester United manager for at least another two years.

The Scot had reversed his original retirement decision in 2002, and signed a rolling one-year contract following the arrival of the Glazer family as owners in 2005.

There has been speculation that he might step down if United win the Premiership this season.

However, he said on Tuesday: 'Retirement can wait, it is not a possibility for at least a couple of years.

'I decided to retire back in 2002, and I regretted it. To have reconsidered that decision gave me a boost of energy.'

However, he could very well lose his best player, Cristiano Ronaldo, within these two years.

Real Madrid have claimed that the winger's agent told them his destiny lies with the Spanish giants.

A Real source told The Mirror: 'The club have been told that, while Ronaldo is flattered by the interest from Barcelona and Inter Milan, he wants to come here.'

The Times also reported that Real are prepared to pay a world-record transfer fee for the 22-year-old.

The current record of £48 million (S$143 million) has stood since 2001, when Zinedine Zidane moved from Juventus to Real.

The Times claimed that Real's management team would be prepared to go beyond that sum to sign Ronaldo.

The winger's 16 league goals have helped United open a nine-point lead over Chelsea in the Premiership race.

Many believe a victory at Liverpool on Saturday would virtually clinch the title.

Said Ferguson: 'Compared to our last two campaigns, we have had a magnificent start this season.

'Now, it is Chelsea who are following us. They are the ones who have to play every game under pressure.'