Sir Alex Ferguson: Is United Boss To Retire?

Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly considering stepping down after 26 years as manager of Manchester United.

A number of stories in Wednesday's national newspapers claim the 71-year-old - Britain's most successful manager - is thinking about retirement.

The rumours have been fuelled by the absence of any comment from the club, which has previously strongly denied he would depart at the end of the season.

Writing in his programme notes ahead of last Sunday's Premier League defeat by Chelsea, Ferguson had hailed the club's 20th league title overall and 13th in his time at the helm.

Sir Alex Ferguson and his team celebrate their UEFA Champions League final victory in 2009

Ferguson after United's 2009 Champions League win - one of his 49 trophies

"We will get better and if we apply ourselves in our normal fashion I see our 20th league title as nothing but the start of another decade of success," he said.

"Whether I will be here to oversee another decade of success remains to be seen, but I certainly don't have any plans at the moment to walk away from what I believe will be something special and worth being around to see."

Jose Mourinho and David Moyes are being suggested as possible successors

Some newspapers say Ferguson may make an announcement before United play Swansea on Sunday.

And further weight has been lent to the claims by United's confirmation last week that Ferguson had been booked in for hip surgery in August, after the club's pre-season tour.

The timing of the operation appeared strange, as it is believed he could have undergone the procedure immediately following the end of this season.

Then yesterday, bookmakers slashed the odds on David Moyes replacing Ferguson amid reports the Everton manager would spend a season as his fellow Scot's assistant. Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is also being touted as a potential successor.

The club have yet to provide any official comment and, as a partially floated company, are bound by US Stock Exchange rules and will likely be required to confirm the position in due course given Ferguson's significance.

United's league title this season is Ferguson's 49th piece of silverware.

Ryan Giggs, the club's longest-serving player, told SiriusXM FC: "I don't expect many changes but the manager looks to strengthen where he can, whether we have lost a league or won it. He never stands still. He always wants to better the team."