Ferguson's glorious 26 year reign as coach was rumoured to be coming to an end this summer, with Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho both likely to be available to succeed him.

“I’m hoping to stay on for a bit of time,” he said. “In terms of football management, I have achieved everything I always wished for.

“It’s been a great journey for me but being manager of Manchester United, you have to kick on. You can’t look back. The drive is always on to do better.”