End in sight for Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson famously once revealed he swerved a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have dinner with Frank Sinatra in 1989 because Manchester United had lost to Charlton.

The legendary crooner was the king of comebacks but Ferguson is unlikely to tread the boards again once he has walked away from the bright lights of Old Trafford at the end of next season, if his son Darren's prediction is accurate, given that he has already cancelled one retirement date at the end of the 2001-02 campaign.

Ferguson Jr believes only Liverpool's record of 18 domestic titles stands in the way of Sir Alex finally bringing the curtain down on his trophy-laden stay with the world club champions.

"I can see him doing this year and next and then that might be it for him," said Darren, manager of Peterborough.

A demoralising 2-0 reverse against Fulham at Craven Cottage last weekend, on the back of the 4-1 humiliation by fiercest rivals Liverpool, saw Manchester United crash to their first back-to-back defeats in almost four years.

The wise money remains on Ferguson to steady the ship and guide United, who have a game in hand, to their third successive Premier League title and record-equalling 18th domestic success.
That would mean Ferguson had delivered on his promise when arriving at Old Trafford in 1986 "to knock Liverpool off their perch".

It will also mean club officials must begin the unenviable process of replacing the man who has won 32 major honours during his 22-and-a-half-year reign south of the border, including 10 Premier League titles and two European Cups.

A clear case of rather you than me.

Ferguson has always maintained he will continue as long as he has his health and for many United fans it will be difficult to imagine him setting off into the sun.

At least now they have 14 months to get used to the idea.

Nick Walsh writes features and betting previews for betting.betfair.com