Ferguson has change of heart

After all the talk about who should take over at Manchester United next season, the club have landed the perfect man. At around 11.15 a.m. yesterday came the news United's rivals - and Dwight Yorke - were dreading. Far from retiring as manager in three months, Alex Ferguson is carrying on.

A new contract of at least two years is being drawn up after Ferguson approached the club about staying. The deal, which United hope to confirm tomorrow, will almost certainly make the 60-year-old the highest paid Premiership manager at more than £2.5million a season, a £500,000 increase on this season's salary.

The idea of Ferguson drifting quietly into the background as a consultant at Old Trafford always seemed unlikely and it is understood he inquired about retaining his job after Saturday's 4-1 win at home to Sunderland.

United moved quickly, considering the offer too good to turn down. Given their apparent struggle to find a successor, Ferguson's sudden change of heart was highly convenient. Better the Red Devil you know.

The players were told of the decision at training yesterday morning. Mikael Silvestre said: "It was a good surprise. We didn't expect to know who was coming in before the end of the season. He (Ferguson) said 'it won't be a secret anymore so I have to tell you that I'm staying on as manager'.

"I'm glad he's staying and since I joined United, I have improved a lot." Feelers are thought to have been put out for a successor to Sven-Goran Eriksson among others. Yet the England coach, Bayern Munich's Ottmar Hitzfeld, Celtic's Martin O'Neill and Roma's Fabio Capello were unwilling or unable to take the post this summer. By the time Ferguson finally stands down, one such outstanding candidate may be available.

An Old Trafford insider insisted talks were quite well advanced with one coach but many believe Ferguson has saved the club from appointing a man who did not feature high on their initial shortlist. It could also ensure that David Beckham commits his future to Old Trafford.

"David and all the rest of the players will be chuffed that Sir Alex is staying and I know I am," said Beckham's father, Ted. "To be quite honest with you, there's no problem with his contract. If he signs now or leaves it until after the World Cup, he will still be a Manchester United player."

United's chief executive Peter Kenyon has always been keen to keep Ferguson, though the club's statement to the stock exchange left no doubt the manager made the first call.

"As a result of today's press speculation, the board of Manchester Untied plc confirms that it was recently approached by Sir Alex Ferguson on Sir Alex remaining as manager of the club beyond this season," it said. "The board has entered into discussions with Sir Alex and his advisers on a new contract ." Those close to Ferguson say there was no indication when the Scot turned 60 five weeks ago that he wanted to carry on. Yet it seems a man who has won 14 major trophies at United realised that existing without the buzz of the job would be nigh-on impossible.

After a shaky spell earlier this season, United have regained something of their old dominance and Ferguson's appetite for the game remains undiminished.

His wife Cathy has apparently given her backing and the fans spoke of their delight.

The romantic plan had been that Ferguson would take up a consultancy role after leading United to victory in the Champions League final at Hampden Park in Glasgow, the city of his birth.

Just over a month ago, amid speculation that he might reconsider, Ferguson was emphatic: "I'm going all right. That has been settled for some time now. There are powerful reasons for the decision and those haven't changed."

But giving up a position he has held since his arrival from Aberdeen in 1986 has proved more difficult than he imagined.