By Graeme Yorke

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Sir Alex Ferguson has said he is keen on becoming a director at Old Trafford when he finally decides to quit management.

The 71-year-old Manchester United boss said that he is determined to stay at the club after initially intimating that he would step away.

Ferguson said: 'There's no getting rid of me. I'll probably become a director. Nobody knows [my retirement date], neither do I. It won't be a doctor that tells me to quit!'

Probable: Sir Alex Ferguson said he would probably become a director at Manchester United

Probable: Sir Alex Ferguson said he would probably become a director at Manchester United

As for his successor, he added: 'They'll ask me but I think it'll be a club decision, not mine. With the structure we have here, it can't be an impossible job.

Former United star Viv Anderson has rejected the idea that Ferguson might be tempted to step down this summer, even if they win the Champions League and Premier League.

Anderson, who played under Ferguson from 1987-91, said: 'There is no chance that Sir Alex will retire this summer. He loves the club. He lives and breathes it.'

Not yet: Ferguson is still going strong at United

Not yet: Ferguson is still going strong at United

Success: Ferguson will go down as one of the most greatest managers of all time

Success: Ferguson will go down as one of the most greatest managers of all time

In his wide ranging interview with twentyfour7 magazine, the United boss also discussed his deliberate decision to use his former players among his staff.

The likes of Nicky Butt and Brian McClair are already involved, and Ferguson has backed Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher to follow suit.

He added: 'Looking at my present crop, it's difficult, but the likes pf Giggs and Scholes wil be part of the structure here. Darren Fletcher is a long term possibilty, 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.'

The comments below have not been moderated.

Just remember back in 1986 when Bobby Charlton & co met Ferguson at his sister's house to speak about the MUFC job. What an amazing vision they possessed in this man which proved so accurate is astonishing. A non-violent dictator but what an outstanding record of triumph; this is from a Spurs man!

its time to hang up your boots sir alex you have done brilliant job

If this happens, history has a good chance of repeating itself.

Saw off Liverpool, Saw off Leeds, Saw off Newcastle, Saw off Arsenal, Saw off Chelsea and now seeing off City. Legend!

EVERYBODY GOES UPSTAIRS IF THEY HAVE BEEN GOOD

One man went to mow, went to mow Mourinho!

I totally agree with the football director idea ,,the man have been outstanding for many years and Man United still needs him even after retirement

Good sooner the better and then we will see who actually support United and how many just follow the club. Keep taking the medication Martin Paul!

He has got a good 19 years left in him yet? Everyone knows he will move upstairs and if the new manager needs a guiding hand then yeah so be it if a manager is not prepared to take advice from the greatest manager the British game has ever had then he should not be at United. You just have to look how many teams he has built the obsticles he has passed and the things he has won Sir Alex is a true Legend in the game even if you are a Bitter or Hater deep down inside the one thing you wish your team had is Sir Alex ruleing the roost for nearly 30 years and that is a FACT..

"one of the MOST GREATEST managers of all time" Oh dear.... And you write for a newspaper!

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