Manchester: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson celebrated his 70th birthday on Saturday by pledging to stay in his job for at least another three years.
Ferguson told United's in-house TV channel on Saturday that he has no immediate plans to walk away from the game, and that he still hungers for more trophies even after 25 years in charge of the club.
"I think I've got three years with the club," Ferguson said. "As long as my health stays up, as long as I'm still enjoying it, still giving the satisfaction of the team doing its best."
Ferguson has been reluctant to discuss retirement plans since announcing a decade ago that he would quit after the 2001-02 season. He went back on that promise mid-season, and has since led the club to another four league titles - with last season's triumph giving United a record 19 overall. He has won a total of 27 major trophies with United, including two Champions League titles and five FA Cups.
"You don't win every time. I've had plenty of defeats. But, in the context of the achievements, it's minuscule, the defeats," Ferguson said. "We're all very good at losing here. People say we're great winners, but we're also great losers. You know why? Because we don't let it happen too many times."
Ferguson was greeted by a standing ovation at Old Trafford before United's game against Blackburn on Saturday and serenaded with the song "Happy Birthday." The Scotsman celebrated his 25th anniversary as manager of United in November and the club marked the occasion by naming a stand at Old Trafford after him.
He's had a few setbacks this season, however, as United were knocked out of the Champions League in the group stages and are facing a stiff challenge from crosstown rivals Manchester City for the league title.
There was another one later on Saturday as well. Ferguson's 70th birthday was ruined by Manchester United's stunning loss to struggling Blackburn.
Goalkeeper David de Gea's mistake allowed Grant Hanley to pounce in the 80th minute and give Blackburn a 3-2 win at Old Trafford.
"It is a disaster," Ferguson said. "I never expected it."
The surprising setback for the defending champions means Manchester City can go three points clear at the top by winning at Sunderland on Sunday.
With United in a bit of a rebuilding phase, Ferguson said there is still a lot of work to be done.
"The new players coming into the club — (Phil) Jones, (Chris) Smalling, Ashley Young — they didn't win any league medals yet," he said. "We have to continue the dominance of winning leagues and also, without question, winning the European Cup is important to the club. We should have been in at least three other (Champions League) finals. So yes, I'd be very keen to win a third one."
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