Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed rumours that he may leave Manchester United before his contract ends in 2002 and insists he is still looking forward to the challenge next season.
The United boss announced that he would be leaving the club completely when his contract as manager expires, which has come as something of a surprise to many and has angered United fans who wished to see him remain at Old Trafford in some capacity.
Having secured his seventh Premiership title in the last nine years as United manager, Ferguson became the most successful manager in the history of English football, and he admitted that he had wished to continue working at the club, perhaps in some kind of ambassadorial role.
"I had hoped there would be a role for me, but that's gone now - we've exhausted that," Ferguson explained.
"I have turned down quite a few opportunities to do something next year."
"These things happen in football - I'm not the only manager who's suffered that.
"I had half expected it for a while really and I wasn't really building up too much hope, so honestly it is not too much of a shock
"It's a disappointment but I want to go out with my head held high knowing I've enjoyed the 16 years I'll have completed at the club.
"No way am I going to let the background things that happen at football clubs destroy the wonderful time I've had.
"It is important for me that I complete my final year and get on with it."
Speaking after United’s 3-1 defeat at White Hart Lane he added: "It is my intention to be here next season and I am looking forward to it."
"I've got a great bunch of players who've got a certain character and team spirit that is special."
The announcement that Ferguson will sever all ties with Manchester United at the end of next season is sure to alert a number of Europe’s top clubs, who will be desperate to secure the services of the legendary Scot.
Suggestions have already been made that Barcelona could be lining up an approach and Ferguson did not rule out the possibility that he may decide to manage elsewhere.
"I've not ruled out taking a manager's job," he confirmed.
"I'm not sure what I'm going to do now but I've got a year to think about it. But I've closed the door on United and I'm finishing next year.
"That's it closed, there is no mileage for me in this.
"I made a statement simply because I want to let people know that I'm going to be working next year and I don't think there's anything wrong with that."
Ferguson’s assistant at Old Trafford, Steve McClaren, has also been the subject of managerial speculation having been linked with the vacant posts at Southampton and West Ham United.
Ferguson admitted that he does not know what may happen to the man he brought in from Derby County and who has had an incredible impact at the club.
"Steve's got other offers," he said. "I can't make his mind up for him, he's his own man. But he hasn't spoken to anyone yet."
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