Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed speculation that he might confirm his retirement at the end of next season.

Ferguson will celebrate his 69th birthday at the end of this year and has shown no sign of being affected by the pressures of being United boss since 1986.

However, the Scot has always stated that his health is of paramount importance and stories have emerged recently claiming he would leave his job at the end of next term, with Jose Mourinho lined up as his successor.

Ferguson was more amused than outraged when the suggestion was put to him ahead of tomorrow's crucial Barclays Premier League encounter with Tottenham at Old Trafford, but he insisted the reports are false.

"It is rubbish," said Ferguson.

"There is no truth in it.

"I have no intention of retiring and if I did the people I would tell are (chief executive) David Gill and the Glazer family."

With a 12th Premier League title suddenly back on the agenda following Tottenham's victory over Chelsea last week, Ferguson has plenty to occupy his mind at present.

"It is what you have to accept in life," he said.

"There is pressure in life. I can deal with it.

"The only thing that determines whether I stay here is my health. And I am in rude health."