Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid didn't sway his retirement decision.

Ferguson admits he'd made up his mind before Christmas.

"No, I made my mind up a while ago and that was it," he said.

"Yes you have disappointments but you can't be successful without having disappointment.

"Disappointments are good for you. It's a challenge to you in terms of recovering from it, and it's a challenge to your players' character. I think we've been good at that over the years."