Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits his players are always asking about his retirement plans.

Anticipating the day of his departure has become something of a guessing game over the last 10 years and even the players, both old and new, have started asking questions.

"All the players or their agents ask me how long I've got left when they sign a contract," he said.

"It becomes more difficult the longer it goes. The way David Gill (chief executive) answers it is by saying 'He has no intention of retiring at the moment'."