Sir Alex Ferguson says he intends to stay with Manchester United after stepping down as manager.

In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, to be broadcasted on Monday at 7pm, Ferguson said he wants to stay on as manager for another two or three years and would like a glorious finish to his two-and-a-half decades in charge.

Then he says he would like to be employed at the club, potentially in an ambassadorial role similar to the one Sir Bobby Charlton has.

"I will remain active. I think there will be a role for me at United after I finish," he said.

"I think you always want to go out on a winning note. Hopefully we can do that. I don't know how long I can last now but if my health stays up I don't think another two or three years would harm me."

Ferguson added that his wife is keen for him to carry on working and has even suggested that he becomes a milkman when he steps down from front-line football management.

The Scot also admitted to what he now regards as a blunder in the transfer market, when he turned down an opportunity to sign the Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart for a bargain £100,000.

Hart, now 24, joined City from League Two Shrewsbury Town in 2006, for an initial fee of £600,000. Ferguson had spotted Hart earlier, around the time when he signed Edwin van der Sar in 2005, but did not make a move.

"I could have bought Joe Hart for £100,000 so we all make mistakes," Ferguson said. "If you look at the England goalkeeper situation for the last 20 years, I would think he's easily the best."