Sir Alex Ferguson tonight insisted that he will be in charge of Manchester United next season.
The Old Trafford boss shocked thesoccer world yesterday when he announced that he would be leaving the club for good when his contract expires at theend of next season.
The 59-year-old had hoped for some kind of other role within the club when he stepped down as manager, but that will now not happen.
Ferguson said he was not surprised about that, but did admit he was disappointed.
Speaking after today's 3-1 defeat at Tottenham, Ferguson said: "It is my intention to be here next season and I am looking forward to it.
"It is a straightforward situation and the reason I said those things yesterday is simply that I had hoped there would be a role for me, but that'sgone now - we've exhausted that.
"I have turned down quite a few opportunities to do something next year. But I'm going to be active because I think you'll all agree that once youretire you cannot sit back and do nothing.
PA