Sir Alex Ferguson to quit Manchester United in two years?

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly planning to leave the club in two years' time.

Ferguson begins his 28th campaign as United boss with a trip to Everton on Monday, but for the first time in seven seasons he enters a campaign without a trophy to defend.

According to the Daily Mail, the Glazer family backed a £24m deal to sign Robin van Persie this week because they know that Ferguson is trying to build one of his last great United teams.

A source close to the Glazers is quoted as saying: "Alex will only be manager for a couple more years so it was time the owners gave him what he wanted. That's Van Persie."

United have been strongly linked with another big-money deal before the transfer window closes as they chase Everton full-back Leighton Baines.