Kenyon hints that Ferguson may agree new contract

Manchester United's chief executive, Peter Kenyon, has revealed he wants to keep Sir Alex Ferguson at the club after his current contract expires. Last year the United manager surprised the football world when, with retirement looming, he performed a U-turn and agreed a new three-year deal. However, already there is talk of the 61-year-old Scot staying on after 2005.

"Alex has talked about his hunger and desire being as strong as ever, and I would endorse that completely," Kenyon said. "How long he could go on is all about hunger, and in the five or six years I have been around, I see him now as hungry as he has ever been.

"I find it very encouraging that the manager has already indicated he would like to carry on. The plans in place, that we have been working on together, are not just about the next two years."

Kenyon added: "There are a lot of factors we will have to review, but he is 61 and he is not old. Despite what he has done, he wants to do more."

Meanwhile, Roy Keane has suggested that he may play for the Republic of Ireland again days after announcing his international retirement following talks with the new manager, Brian Kerr.

"Speaking to Brian Kerr was good,'' Keane said. "You know, as we were finishing our conversation Kerr said 'You never know what might happen down the road'. Well, I believe that, and still think never say never. There are people who placed bets on Roy Keane never playing for Ireland again. If I were the bookies, I wouldn't pay out just yet.

"The Champions' League games that Manchester United play mean it is not feasible just now. What would happen if I was at a club that wasn't playing in Europe? You never know.''