Ferdinand Fears Ferguson Retirement

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Sir Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown - Manchester United (PA)

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The United boss, who arrived in Manchester in 1986, has previously announced he will step down within the next two years, after enjoying incredible success at the helm of the Red Devils.

The Scot has claimed two Champions League titles, five FA Cups and 10 Premier League crowns during his tenure, meaning any replacement has a huge job to live up to.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Ferdinand confessed that replacing Ferguson was going to be an enormously difficult task.

“They're big shoes to fill, aren't they?” said the centre-back before adding, “Who's going to fill them? I wouldn't like to say, but the club will have to work really hard to find someone capable of taking over.”

However, Ferdinand insists that he had confidence his club would be able to bring the right man in to replace Sir Alex and hailed his manager’s record.

“It's not like bringing in another player, it's a different dimension altogether,” explained the England international, “Our manager's record is untouchable, so to replace someone like him after so long is going to be really difficult. But if any club can it's United.”

Ferdinand went on to pay tribute to his manager and also insisted that while Fergie’s much-vaunted temper was over-hyped, there was some truth in the legend.

“The boss has mellowed since I've been at United but don't believe the hype too much," said the defender, “When it's time for home truths to be said, he'll tell you, in no uncertain terms, right between the eyes.”

The champions face Stoke City today hoping to recover from last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal and Ferdinand spoke of the title race and insisted his side were not out of it yet, despite being eight points off the top of the table.

“I have been in both positions, leading from the front and playing catch-up and there's pressure in both situations,” admitted Ferdinand before continuing, “United have lost titles from being loads of points ahead and won it from being a long way behind. So I don't think it matters at this stage of the season where we are.”

However, although the defender is confident his side can keep hold of their crown, he also admitted that any more defeats could put paid to their title ambitions. Ferdinand concluded: “But we know we can't afford any more slip-ups.”

Gill Clark