Fergie Can Handle Expectation

Sir Alex Ferguson claims the expectations which accompany Manchester United's ongoing growth hold no fear for him.

During his 24 years at the Old Trafford helm, United have morphed into a global phenomenon with an annual turnover of £286million.

Pressure now lurks around every corner, with success demanded by ambitious owners and an expectant fan base.

Ferguson has grown accustomed to such a workload, though, and is able to take such things in his stride.

He insists the challenges he and his players place on themselves are greater than any posed from the outside and he acknowledges that in order to be the best you have to be able to handle working under such conditions.

"I never even think about not being successful. It never crosses my mind," said Ferguson.

"I am always positive about the future of this club. It has been that way for a long time.

"Unless the sky is going to fall down on top of us, we will remain the way we are. It is our expectation I am concerned about. We are all united in that sense.

"We are well aware that when we lose a game it is back page and sometimes front page depending on who has managed to beat us.

"That is the expectation. We have no problem with that. It is a great thing for my players, all my staff and supporters."

Ferguson has been integral in United's dominance during the Premier League era but he admits that he always has one eye on the future, with it important that success is never taken for granted.

He added: "The cycle of success in football only lasts four years at the very most.

"We were almost within that grasp last year, losing the title by one point. That would have made history.

"But four years is the type of time-span you have in terms of success. Then you need to think about how you regenerate the energies again.

"You have to start planning ahead for the new team. It is a challenge but no bigger than the one I was presented with when I first came down here.

"This is Manchester United. You accept everything is of a high standard and it starts from me."