Manchester Untied manager has tipped Roy Keane to be his successor in the Old Trafford hotseat, when he eventually decides to retire.
Despite rumours surrounding his future after another disappointing season, Ferguson insists that he will still be in charge at the start of next season, but believes that when he does go, Keane would be an ideal replacement.
"I will carry on at United next season and I have a contract to do that," the United boss said. "But when I do move on I would like to see Roy Keane taking over.
"He is a leader on the pitch and he could be that kind of leader sitting on the Manchester United bench, too," he added.
The United boss also tried to spark off another war of words with his Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho, insisting that the Blues boss is only a 'coach' and that he would struggle at Old Trafford.
"It is said that Mourinho is the number one but at 63 I'm not jealous of my competitors and what they win. I have been a manager for a long, long time and won many trophies. Anyway, my job is completely different and carries a heavier load than Mourinho's," Ferguson insisted.
"Mourinho has a completely different culture at Chelsea than I do in charge at Manchester United. I'm a manager, not merely a coach. I make decisions about signings. I have the responsibility for the first team - plus the reserves and the United academy."
