STEVE McCLAREN last night allayed any fears of an imminent departure from Middlesbrough when he ruled out a return to Manchester United at the end of the season.

McClaren, who broke free from the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer to become a first-time manager with Boro, faces his former boss at the Riverside Stadium today in a classic Sorcerer-and-Apprentice clash.

The confrontation takes place amid suggestions that England coach McClaren could yet be targeted to succeed Sir Alex, who is due to retire from management in May and take up a figurehead role at Old Trafford.

McClaren yesterday refused to discount the possibility that he could one day be reunited with Ferguson, whom he describes as "the best manager in the world''.

But, having signed a five-year contract with Boro, he insisted his sole focus is on transforming the Teessiders into a Premiership force.

York-born McClaren, who was Ferguson's assistant for nearly 21/2 years after leaving a similar position at Derby, said: "If I had been told four years ago that I was going to work at Manchester United, I would never have believed it.

"But now my only focus of attention is on being in charge of Middlesbrough. This is my first job in management and I want to make a success of it.

"I haven't got a clue if Alex and I will work together again. What happens in the future, god only knows. I wouldn't like to speculate and say I would or I wouldn't.'' It is no secret that McClaren's hands are currently tied in the transfer market as Boro feel the impact of a dramatic drop in season-ticket sales.

His net spending so far amounts to £5.85m, but he stressed: "I have a good relationship with the chairman, Steve Gibson, and we've got plans for the future.

"We want to make this club successful. This is a long-term thing and it will take time. So long as we can see progress being made and we're backed by everybody, these are my only thoughts at the moment. I'm comfortable with the decision to come here and I have no regrets about leaving United.'' Ferguson this week paid a glowing testimonial to McClaren, but with champions United suffering an astonishing Premiership slump, the Boro boss insists he won't fall for any mind games from the canny Scot.

"I was very flattered to hear what Alex said,'' admitted McClaren. "He doesn't praise people that often; usually a 'well done' is enough.

"It's also a bit worrying because I think there might be some ulterior motive in what he's said - maybe he's trying to soften me up for this weekend! "But it was a privilege for me to work alongside him. We got on well socially and it was a good combination.

"I learned so much from him. He's unique and he's proved that with the amount of trophies he's won. For me, he's the best manager in the world.

"Hopefully, I can use what I've learned from him in my job here.

"We bump into each other from time to time and we speak on the phone. I'll look forward to seeing him after the game. I'll have a decent bottle of red wine so he can drown his sorrows! "Contrary to what people might think, he really is one of the nicest, most generous people you could ever meet.

"And he's a winner who surrounds himself with winners. He will go down as one of the legends with the Paisleys and the Shanklys.'' United have been beaten six times in the League this season and Ferguson has already dismissed their chances of winning a third successive title.

But McClaren said: "I had a wry smile when I heard what Alex had said.

"I would say: 'Don't write them off'. I think the whole of football has been surprised by what's happened there this season.

"Every club has dips and it's all about how you come out of them. I know what the manager is like and they will come out of it and be stronger than ever. Every team looks to Manchester United as the benchmark.'' Boro's Argentinian midfielder Carlos Marinelli, who missed last week's 2-0 defeat against leaders Liverpool with an ankle injury, is struggling to be fit.

But goalkeeper Mark Crossley, carried off at Anfield with a facial injury which required eight stitches, has been cleared to return.

Meanwhile, Boro defender Steve Vickers is close to completing a near-£500,000 move to Birmingham, where he has been on loan for the past month.

New Blues boss Steve Bruce failed in an attempt to sign Vickers for Crystal Palace this season.

Curtis Fleming's loan to Birmingham has been extended for another month, as has fellow full back Dean Gordon's temporary stint with Cardiff.

Read more about Boro here.