Ferguson Has Planned His Exit Strategy From ManU And 'Will Quit In Two Years' Time'

ALEX FERGUSON has planned his exit strategy from ManU and "and will quit in two years' time" after building his last great team around WAYNE ROONEY and newly acquired ROBIN VAN PERSIE, according to Joe Bernstein of the London DAILY MAIL. The legendary manager, who begins his 28th season in charge of the club at Everton on Monday, claims that the Glazer family "will back him again if he makes a formal bid for England left-back LEIGHTON BAINES before the end of the transfer window on Aug. 31." The 70-year-old Ferguson "took personal control" of the van Persie signing and called Arsenal boss ARSENE WENGER directly "to ensure his final chapter at Old Trafford is successful." He persuaded the Glazers, "against the advice of other senior figures at the club," to rubberstamp a £64M ($100.4M) investment in wages and transfer fee for the Dutch striker. A source said, "Alex will only be manager for a couple more years, so it was time the owners gave him what he wanted. That's van Persie" (DAILY MAIL, 8/18).