Sir Alex Ferguson insists he will never be short of challenges at Manchester United. The Scot celebrated his 68th birthday yesterday having completed an incredible 23 years in the Old Trafford hot seat.

Should the Red Devils win the title this season, it would be his 12th. AC Milan are the most immediate barrier to a third Champions League trophy.

Yet Ferguson can always find new challenges. On Sunday, United renew hostilities with Roses rivals Leeds in the FA Cup, a competition the Scot has won five times. But he can always find new challenges. And after recent disappointments, the FA Cup is a prime example. "It is easy at this club," he said. "You have to try and win everything. You know you don't but if you pick up one trophy a season you have to be happy with that.

"It is such a competitive league and a lot of big clubs are trying to get the glory themselves and add to their own success of previous years.