Wigan 0 Manchester United 4: Alex Ferguson quashes retirement talk as Javier Hernandez and Robin van Persie bag braces against Latics

Rumours have been rife over who will succeed the Old Trafford chief when he eventually decides to call it a day, with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, Real Madrid Jose Mourinho and Everton’s David Moyes all tipped to replace the Scot in the future.

But Ferguson, who turned 71 on New Year’s Eve, insists he has no intention yet to call time on his 26-year reign.

Speaking to the Abu Dhabi Sports channel, Ferguson said: “I’m hoping to stay on for a bit of time.”

He added: “It’s very difficult. Over the years, names have been bandied about, but football is such a precarious industry. But you could be talking about one of the potentially exciting young managers in the game, but is he going to be here in two or three years’ time? The sack race is horrendous.

“Sometimes a manager can only survive four games if he doesn’t win a match.

“Top managers will always be in demand but nobody knows where they are going to be in two or three years’ time.”

United won again today, defeating Wigan 4-0 at the DW Stadium to maintain their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Javier Hernandez and Robin van Persie struck a brace each in the comfortable win.

Manchester City defeated Stoke 3-0 at Eastlands to prevent United from extending their lead, with Pablo Zabaleta, Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero scoring the goals.

Elsewhere Swansea striker Danny Graham hit a last-gasp equaliser to deny Aston Villa a morale-boosting win at the Liberty Stadium. Wayne Routledge fired the hosts into an early lead before Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke hit back to set up a win for the Midlands side. However Graham scored deep into stoppage time to seal a point.

Mark Noble and Joey O’Brien scored the goals for West Ham, who edged past Norwich 2-1, with Russell Martin hitting a late consolation for the visitors.

Chelsea host QPR tomorrow, while Sunderland visit Liverpool and Newcastle play Everton.

Southampton host Arsenal later this evening.