Despite reaching his 65th birthday on New Year's Eve, Sir Alex Ferguson insists that he still possesses the desire and hunger to bring success to Manchester United.
Ferguson will become the second pensioner to manage in the Premiership following the former Newcastle boss Bobby Robson, but despite his growing years, Ferguson is putting Premiership glory ahead of personal milestones as United prepare for their game against Newcastle United on New Year’s Day.
Ferguson said: "It only makes me feel old when people talk about my age! But I feel fine and I feel good. I'm as fresh as you can be at this time of year.
"It's just another birthday really. The thing about 65 is that it is a landmark when people start to collect their pensions and I expect I'll be coming into the same category because I'll be waiting for the envelope to come through the door.
"I get a bus pass and heating allowance, but when you've worked for the length of time that I have worked, you deserve them too! I'll be using my pass on the 4A to Govan Cross!
"But I'm still up early every morning. Sometimes I'll get up early, watch TV for a bit and go back to sleep until about a quarter to seven. Then I'll come in here.
"I've always got up early and, even as a young boy, my dad would get me up at six every morning, so I am no different now. It becomes a habit, but sometimes I'll have a catnap at 4.30, five o'clock and have maybe ten or 15 minutes because that helps you.
"But there's nobody in particular that has worked beyond 65 that I look up to.Milkmen, farmers, bakers and butchers. They all get up earlier than I do, so you have to admire those people, especially the farmers who spend a lifetime working in the elements in this country. You have to ask yourself - Would you do that?"
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