• Premier League

Ferguson: United not an impossible job

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident in the future of Manchester United © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Beckham warns Utd Ronaldo will be inspired on return
  
• News: Ferguson expects to move into director role
  

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United's success will extend well beyond his career at Old Trafford and believes the involvement of former players has aided the club in recent years.

Ferguson is tipped to step down as United boss in the coming years, with his successful 27-year tenure etching him into Premier League folklore.

But the Scot was quick to deflect the plaudits from himself, insisting United's significant trophy haul since he took over in 1986 is due to the club's stability.

In an interview with twentyfour7 football magazine, Ferguson said it would not be "impossible" for his successor to continue United's dominance and offered some advice for the Red Devils' future managers.

"With the structure we have here, it can't be an impossible job," he said. "What more could you want? Imagination is always important. The other most important thing is don't change who you are.

"It happens, you see it time and time again, a manager comes in and tries to change himself. 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. That really will hold you in good stead, simply because the players understand what you are, who you are."

Ferguson has been forced to look at the next generation of players, with veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes nearing the end of their careers, although the United manager expects them both to remain involved with the club, similar to former player Nicky Butt.

"Looking at my present crop, it's difficult, but the likes of Giggs and Scholes will be part of the structure here," Ferguson told said. "Darren Fletcher in the long term possibly and Nicky Butt is with the reserves.

"We try to get as many former players in the set-up as we can, we've got a good back-up. 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."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.