Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he has no intention of retiring.

The 69-year-old has been at the Old Trafford helm for almost 25 years, but he has insisted that he has no plans to end his spell in charge as his 70th birthday approaches.

However, the Scot has discussed the characteristics that his eventual replacement should possess.

"Over the years I've had the question who do I think could replace me? Now in those years, some of the coaches they were talking about to replace me don't have jobs any more.

"So it becomes very difficult because someone who I think has potential may be sacked by his club and disappear.

"I think you would need someone very experienced in the long term. But I have absolutely no idea... first of all, I'm not retiring."

Ferguson revealed ten years ago that he planned to retire, only to make U-turn on that decision.