Ferguson gives no indication of stepping down

Sir Alex Ferguson vowed on Thursday to carry on for "as long as I feel healthy enough" as the Manchester United manager labelled his 25 years in charge at Old Trafford as a fairytale.

Ferguson, who turns 70 in December, will mark the landmark occasion when Sunderland visit Old Trafford on Saturday.

Appointed on November 6 1986, the Scot is regarded as one of the best managers ever after steering United to 12 Premier League titles, two European Cups, five FA Cup successes and four League Cups.

There has been much speculation about when Ferguson will step down, but he gave no indication at a press conference in Manchester on Thursday that he plans to retire anytime soon.

"I'll continue for as long as I feel healthy enough to do the job," said the United manager, who insisted his success was down to the 'fantastic' players he has managed over the years.

"I've been very fortunate to have some of the best players in the game.

"When I look back at these players I say to myself 'how fortunate I am'. It's quite incredible. You look at the list of players when I came at the very start - Bryan Robson, Norman Whiteside.

"Then Brian McClair, Mark Hughes, Paul Ince, Roy Keane, Eric Cantona ... God, what a collection of players.

"They were fantastic players. And it's hard to think I was in control of all those players for so long.

"The present era of players, they have different personalities and different cultures. It's been a really fantastic spell for me.

"It's something you don't think is going to happen, it's a bit of a fairytale to last so long.

"It's such a varied time in management. Things change as the years go on. It's a different way of managing than it was seven or eight years ago. It's changed."

Ferguson will be hoping to mark a quarter-of-a-century in charge with three points against Sunderland, managed by ex-United captain Steve Bruce.

Bruce finds himself under-pressure after one win in five league games, but Ferguson is backing his former pupil to pull through.

"For Stevie, he's been under a bit of pressure but you only need to lose two games these days and you're under pressure," he added. "But he'll be okay."

Striker Wayne Rooney made a surprise appearance in midfield for United's 2-0 Champions League win over Otelul Galati on Wednesday.

But Ferguson is not planning to make a habit of fielding the England international in an unfamiliar position.

"I thought he did well but I'm not putting any marker down for that position now becaue it really depends on what is available elsewhere," said Ferguson, who has Nemanja Vidic back from suspension.

"(Rooney)'s scored 12 goals for us this season so far. You want him to be in positions where he can get you more goals, and I think that position is where he normally plays."

Michael Owen is unavailable to face Sunderland after undergoing a scan on Thursday on the thigh he damaged against Galati.

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