Ferguson preparing to step down?

Alex Ferguson's future with Manchester United future is the subject of fresh uncertainty, with several British newspapers speculating that he is preparing to stand down as manager.

Alex Ferguson's future with Manchester United future is the subject of fresh uncertainty, with several British newspapers speculating that he is preparing to stand down as manager.

The 71-year-old is fresh off winning his 13th Premier League title with United and said earlier this month: "I certainly don't have any plans at the moment to walk away from what I believe will be something special and worth being around to see."

But it emerged at the weekend that Ferguson requires hip surgery.

And several newpapers, without expressing certainty Ferguson is retiring, reported in Wednesday's editions that the rumors were swirling at the team golf day on Tuesday.