Ferguson has no immediate plans to retire but in the week a permanent exhibit to his extraordinary career has been unveiled at the Manchester United museum, the Red Devils chief, who celebrated 21 years at the helm last month, feels he can make a contribution after he stands down, passing on his knowledge of one of toughest jobs in the game.

"I will have a position at the club but not as director of football - possibly a role that (director) Bobby Charlton has now," Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News.

"Sir Bobby is not an intrusive person but he is always there for help and advice. And I think that's the right way.

"From the first day I became manager he was always here to support me. But whoever gets the job will find it hard.

"The most important person at United is the manager. And whoever comes in will realise that."

Ferguson also revealed he would have enjoyed the challenge on managing abroad had his career not seen him join United.

At one stage he seemed destined to replace Terry Venables at Barcelona and then, while at United, Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti attempted to lure him to Serie A.

"I would loved to have gone abroad if I hadn't come to United," said Ferguson. "I was interviewed for the Barcelona job but Terry (Venables) stayed another year and then Inter tried to get me when I was at Old Trafford.

"But once you are engrained into the place, the harder it gets to leave."