Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill can't see Sir Alex Ferguson stepping down from Manchester United while they're second best.

Indeed, if Manchester City win the title today, O'Neill says that will only drive Ferguson on.

O'Neill said: "I think he will only leave United when he feels it's right. It won't be ­because of a setback. I think to ­accuse Sir Alex of lacking hunger, ambition and determination would be tantamount to heresy.

"He will have that till he's 98 and he may still be manager when he's 98 with five European Cups on top of that. Those are things the man certainly does not lack.

"Those setbacks will only serve to make him ­madder. It will spur him to go on and win more trophies."