Rio Ferdinand is confident Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to retire within three years will not affect the morale or desire of the Manchester United players.

Ferguson recently revealed he already has a date in mind when he plans to end the most decorated of managerial careers.

Ferdinand accepts when the time comes for Ferguson to leave the dugout it will have a massive impact on everyone at Old Trafford.

But it is not something that prays on the defender's mind and he has promised supporters that the hunger still burns bright, with Ferguson and his players united in a desire for more silverware.

"Whenever the day comes, he'll be a big loss, of course, but I won't be concerned about that until it actually happens," Ferdinand told The Sun.

"All I'm thinking about is what a great manager we have with us now - not about what's going to happen two or three years down the line.

"I won't be worrying about him leaving at all next season and I don't suppose the rest of the lads will be either.

"We will be talking about what we can achieve with the manager we've got.

"He's the best manager ever at a British club. He's won everything there is to win and is almost irreplaceable.

"When someone has to fill his shoes that person is going to have a massive job.

"But the boss has put such good foundations in place that I don't see why United should fall apart when he goes.

"The club will be preparing for it. It's not like he's going to get up and leave tomorrow.

"Things will be looked after properly. The boss has too much love for the club to just leave it in the lurch so I think it will be a smooth transition.

"I'm not really surprised he's looking ahead towards his retirement.

"When you look at his age - 67 this year - he's got to come to a decision.

"He has mentioned all the pressures on his family and the fact he's given most of his life to football."

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