Ferdinand - Fergie won't leave

Defender unconvinced by manager's retirement plans

Last updated: 11th June 2008

Rio Ferdinand Man United

Ferdinand: Expects Ferguson stay

The manager loves football and every minute of the day is thinking and talking about it, so I can't see him leaving.

Rio Ferdinand
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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand does not expect Sir Alex Ferguson to leave the club for many years to come.

Old Trafford boss Ferguson recently announced that he is set to step down within the next three years, but Ferdinand is unconvinced.

Ferguson previously announced he was to retire in the 2001/02 season, before later changing his mind and Ferdinand - who helped United to a Premier League and UEFA Champions League double last term - expects another about turn.

"I don't think he'll leave in two or three years," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

"I think his passion for the game will overtake everything else. It will override everything else that goes on.

Love

"The manager loves football, he eats, breathes and every minute of the day is thinking and talking about it, so I can't see him leaving."

And Ferdinand insists the United squad will not be allowing their standards to slip, after the club suffered a dip in form when Ferguson announced his previous plans to leave.

"The manager wouldn't accept the lads taking their feet of the gas," added Ferdinand.

"Anything that goes on off the field is nothing to do with the lads. It is the manager who will decide what is going on."

Ferdinand also admits that whoever is the man to eventually succeed Ferguson faces an unenviable task.

"I wouldn't want to be whoever is next to walk through the door," Ferdinand concluded.

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