Speculation continues this morning regarding the future of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, as rumours regarding a possible retirement gathered pace yesterday evening.

United have not responded to speculation regarding their manager’s future at the club. However, a statement is expected soon as the club are registered on the New York Stock Exchange and, as a result, they must abide by rules regarding the release of information which relates to the running of the club. The markets open at 2.30 Irish time and any statement from the club is expected before then.

Ferguson has been booked in for hip surgery in August, just two weeks before the commencement of the new season and this has led to questions over his desire to continue for another year. Reports that the United players had yesterday been told to expect an announcement further fuelled speculation that the Scot may decide to retire before the end of the season. On Tuesday morning large amounts were wagered on David Moyes becoming the next United manager, with bookies drastically cutting the Everton managers odds as a result. It is believed by bookies that the bets were placed on the back of solid information.

Ferguson’s most recent communication with fans strongly suggested he has no intention of leaving in the near future, as he wrote in his programme notes for Sunday’s
Premier League game with Chelsea:
"This team of champions is not going away - we are here for the long ride.

"We will get better and if we apply ourselves in our normal fashion, I see our 20th league title as nothing but the start of another decade of success.

“Whether I will be here to oversee another decade of success remains to be seen, but I certainly don't have any plans at the moment to walk away from what I believe will be something special and worth being around to see.”