Ferguson looks to go out with a bang

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits it is difficult to make the final decision on his retirement - as he wants to go out at the very top.

The 65-year-old shelved plans to step down in 2002 and showed his desire for trophies was as strong as ever last season when United won the title after a four-year hiatus.

He said: "I have not made my mind up when I'm retiring. The important thing is to leave a good team. The present team is very, very good but they will get better."

Ferguson believes his assistant Carlos Queiroz will be a strong contender to replace him but does not know how American owner Malcolm Glazer will approach the most difficult task of his reign.

"Thankfully I don't have to make the decision," said Ferguson, who is approaching his 21st anniversary as Old Trafford boss. "I have a great assistant in Carlos Queiroz, I think he will be a strong candidate."

But he added: "We have new owners now and I don't know how they look at the situation over in America.

"They have been great supporters of everything we have done but they may have their own ideas."