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Daily News Round Up: Sir Alex On Retirement And The Glazers, Plus Life Lessons From Rio

A quick news round up of things going on at Old Trafford.

One burning question that will need answered sooner rather than later is that of Sir Alex Ferguson and when he will retire from Manchester United.

Speculation has been rife for a number of years that his time at Old Trafford will soon end, but the fiery Scot doesn’t have any intention to retire just yet, telling reporters “I’m in no mood for retirement. As long as my health is good I intend to carry on.

“If my health deteriorated it would be different but retirement is for young people – they can do something else.

“If I get off that treadmill where do you think I’d go – only one way, down,” he spouted defiantly.

During the press conference in Doha, he also hinted at the relationship he enjoys with the Glazers, “We have a great relationship, they never bother me, they never phone,” Ferguson said.

“They never interfere. What more can you ask for? I’m in a privileged position,” comments that may irk supporters with the majority unequivocally opposed to the Glazer regime.

On his return from the Middle East, the boss could face sanctions from the Premier League due to his continued refusal to speak to the BBC.

United could face a fine of £260,000 as Sir Alex has failed on 13 occasions to fulfill a contractual agreement and speak to Premier League broadcasting partners.

Maybe the boss should take some life lessons from Rio Ferdinand who has been encouraging young footballers to drink responsibly.

The England captain said, “In all ways and shapes, you have to accept responsibility. Nowadays you have a game Saturday, then Tuesday, then Saturday, then Tuesday

“There’s no room in the game to go out on the lash and get smashed like you used to.

“That was part of the culture when I was growing up as a kid.

“The players I looked up to at West Ham, their social lives were a big part of their lives.

“Nowadays, you can’t afford to do that. You’re playing against teams that are physically in tip-top condition.

“There are so many different factors that determine whether you become a top player.

“But going out drinking will definitely be to your detriment and will hold you back from being a top, top player.”

“If you’ve got a free week, there’s no problem going out, enjoying yourself and letting your hair down.

“You don’t have to live like a monk. But you’ve got to pick and choose your right times.

“It’s about managing yourself right. As a young player, sometimes you take certain steps and then learn from them.”

Ferdinand cites team mate Michael Owen as an example that young players should look up to, “Look at someone like Michael Owen. I’ve always used him as an example because we came through at the same time, went to the 1998 World Cup, and we had two different outlooks on life.

“I was a social butterfly. He was a real professional who had a good structure around him and knew exactly what he wanted to do and where he wanted to go.

“It took me longer for me to get where I am than it took him.”

But he does concede that it is difficult to escape the drinking culture prevalent in the UK.

“It’s part of the social network. As a footballer, you have to detach yourself from that. It can be hard if you’ve been brought up like that.

“It’s not just football, it’s in society. Kids have to make decisions and choices in life.

“Just because you’re a young footballer doesn’t mean you’re more mature. You’ve got to make yourself more mature. It doesn’t just happen,” Ferdinand concluded.