Ferguson still looking to the future

MANCHESTER, England, Nov 3 (Reuters) Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson says he has no thoughts of retirement as he celebrates 20 years in charge at Old Trafford.

''I enjoy working, that's the important thing. It's scandalous that some people think I should retire. I have every right to work hard. I am going to continue working,'' the 64-year-old told reporters today.

Ferguson almost stood down at the end of the 2001/02 season but after changing his mind has set no new date to call time on his trophy-laden spell in charge of the premier league leaders.

''There has been criticism (from the media) over the years to retire and hang up your boots and I don't think they have a right to do that. People are entitled to work. I want to work and I shall continue working,'' said the Scot.

Ferguson has led United to a record haul of 17 major trophies since becoming the club's manager on Nov. 6, 1986.

''You are going to be judged on trophies, no doubt about that,'' he said.

''If you don't win then you're not going to be here 20 years, that's for sure. And the way we have done it has been good. It has been the right way and it's been the Manchester United way.

''It's been an incredible spell and hopefully we are going to win more things at this club,'' he added.

Ferguson's passion and hunger for the game earned him unprecedented success in Scottish football, where he led Aberdeen to three league titles and the 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup, before he took charge of United.

That has not dimmed: ''You mellow a bit but the inner desire is just the same,'' he said.

''I don't change. It's always a nice challenge to see young people come through and a good challenge to bring players to your club and try to improve them.

''That's the great beauty of football, it never stops. You win a game one day and the next you have to start again.'' After the disappointment of losing to FC Copenhagen in the Champions League tomorrow, United will be looking to beat Portsmouth, who are fourth in the table after an outstanding start to the season, on Saturday to maintain their slender advantage over Chelsea.

Ferguson plans to revert to the side that beat Bolton last Saturday with his only fresh injury absentee being Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who faces up to four weeks out with a hamstring injury.

Reuters PDS RN1953