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THERE have been suggestions Sir Alex Ferguson will consider retirement if Manchester United follow up a tenth Premier League title with the Champions League crown next week.

But his former captain, Roy Keane, feels Ferguson will always possess the winning mentality that will keep driving him on, with a desire to one day equalling Liverpool's record in Europe.

Even if United overcome Chelsea in Moscow it will only be the third time the club have won European football's premier competition, having previously lifted the trophy in 1968 and 1999.

While Ferguson celebrated with his players at the JJB Stadium on Sunday after United finished ahead of Chelsea in the domestic race for the title, Sunderland manager Keane feels everyone connected with Old Trafford wants to taste the magic in Moscow a week tomorrow.

"It's about being the best. Obviously you're the best in England and then you want to be the best in Europe. For a club like Man United that should go without saying," said Keane. "That's what you're in the game for. If you're the manager you've got to be winning titles. It's very tough in Europe because you're competing against some very good teams.

"To win the European Cup you need that little bit of luck but I have to say that I think Man United have lacked that over the years with decisions going against the team.

"This year they're in the final and they've got a hell of a chance.

If they were to win it then it would be the third time they'd won the European Cup. Arsenal have never won it. Chelsea have never won it.

"The thing is to catch up Liverpool next. They've won it five times. They're the target that Alex Ferguson set at United when he first got the job. He said it himself that his target was to knock Liverpool off their perch.

He's done that in terms of winning leagues but, don't worry, he'll be wanting to win European Cups."

Since taking the reins at United in 1986, Ferguson has overcome a difficult start by claiming sustained success that has left every other club in the country playing catch up.

His record of ten Premier League crowns, five FA Cups and two League Cups domestically has been further glorified by leading United to a Champions League title, a European Cup Winners' Cup and a Super Cup.

Ferguson, though, turns 67 in December and he will inevitably have to call time on a illustrious career at some stage. Keane, aware of how his former manager opted against retirement four years ago, does not feel that it is on the agenda just yet.

"Winning drives him on," said Keane. "He has his teams playing some great stuff like Arsenal but they've got the balance about right. They win trophies and play in an entertaining way. But that's what you expect at Man United.

"At big clubs it's a major shock and disappointment if they don't win titles. When you're up there with the best, best players then you should be winning titles. I don't think anyone should be sitting here surprised.

"The best team always wins the league and United have been the best team. There was a good run from Chelsea but they dropped points at home to Wigan and away at Tottenham and ultimately against Bolton."

10:59am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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