Ferguson indicated in an interview with a French radio station that he would bow out in three years.

However, he then played down the situation in his media briefing before the FA Cup match against Portsmouth tomorrow at Old Trafford.

The 66-year-old Scot refused to put a timescale on when he might quit.

He said: "It will be my decision and what I feel myself.

"When I make that decision I will be satisfied the club is in good hands.

"You have to maintain the success levels, the standard of play and fill the ground.

"That is important - that is Manchester United. There is always going to be that expectation level.

"It is not a matter of adding any more to what I have done. It is about keeping the success level."

Ferguson maintained that his retirement agenda had not altered.

He said: "At 66 you have to make it a consideration.

"It is something I have said quite a bit. If your health is good and you are enjoying your job, it could be two or three years.

"I am not going to pigeon-hole myself on that one.

"It could be four years, it could be tomorrow. It is impossible to put a time limit on something like this.

"Two factors relate to your job - performance and your health.

"We have made good decisions the last two years in terms of the future of the club.

"The youth policy is reasonably strong. There is a good balance and good prospects ahead."

Ryan Giggs believes talk of Ferguson's retirement is premature and claims the Scot "is enjoying it more than ever".

Giggs, 34, is convinced the manager will be around for many years to come.

He said: "He will retire some time but I cannot see it in the near future.

"He has a hunger for the game and is enjoying it more than ever.

"He is enjoying the way the team plays. His desire is there for all to see as well."

Ferguson has a hard core of bright young talent to call on in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Anderson, Nani and Darren Ferguson.

The future looks rosy for United and that is why Giggs believes the boss will stick around.

Giggs said: "He has brought exciting young players to the club and I am sure he will want to see it through and watch them fulfil their potential.

"It is exciting for all of us, like myself, players who have been here a long time.

"You can see their desire every day in training and in games. There is a determination among the group to improve.

"The manager enjoys watching them go through their paces, like we all do.

"While he has mellowed from my days in the youth team, is is plain to everyone here that he is still intent on winning more trophies."

Ferguson is of a mind to freshen up his side after the victory against Lyon in midweek which secured a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Giggs is fit again after a calf strain while Paul Scholes could also come into contention.

Ferguson said: "I have a difficult choice to make. That seems to be the norm at the moment but something I relish.

"I am happy about the situation as without this squad we would not be where we are."

United have lost only once in 13 games while Portsmouth have not won at Old Trafford since 1957.

But Ferguson remains cautious.

"It will be a good test for us, " he said. "

"But we have a home draw and that is all you can ask for. Hopefully we will come through okay."