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Ferguson has no plans to retire any time soon

Sir Alex Ferguson plans to build on his 25 years at Manchester United © PA Photos

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Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he no longer thinks about retiring, after being honoured by the University of Manchester for his 25 years as manager of Manchester United.

Ferguson took charge of the Red Devils in November 1986 and has led the club on an almost unrivalled period of success, one that shows no signs of ending any time soon.

The Scot briefly announced his intention to retire from the sport at the end of the 2001-02 season but dramatically changed his mind a few months before he was due to walk away - and the 69-year-old admitted at the acceptance of his honorary doctorate on Wednesday that he has no plans about ending his managerial career.

"I just don't think about retirement any more," Ferguson said. "When you've been on the treadmill for so long, 25 years in my case, and my health is good at the moment, it's just a matter of looking forward to being the manager of Manchester United, rather than worrying about Alex Ferguson.

"I am enjoying it at the moment. We've got a good young team and a lot of youth at the club as well as some tremendous staff, so the future is good and I can keep enjoying it."

Ferguson's doctorate was awarded both for his service to United and his impact on Manchester as a whole - and he admitted his pleasure at receiving such recognition.

"I think it's always nice to be appreciated and recognised, and getting this recognition is testimony to all the hard work that has gone on at Manchester United in the last 25 years, not just by me, but by everyone at the club," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.