Alex Ferguson believes that he will stay on at Manchester United even after he steps down as manager.
"I will remain active. I think there will be a role for me at United after I finish," he told the BBC in an interview, extracts of which were published on the corporation's web site.
Ferguson, now 70, began his managerial career at Old Trafford in 1986 and has won an array of honours, including 12 Premier League titles, two European cups and five FA cups.
He had been due to retire at the end of the 2001-2002 season but changed his mind.
He said in the interview that he could feasibly continue for two or three more seasons, depending on his health.
One possible role he could fulfil at the current Barclays Premier League champions after stepping down is as a club ambassador, he added.
Ferguson reversed an initial decision to retire 10 years ago and still has no immediate plans to call it a day.
"I think you always want to go out on a winning note," he said.
"Hopefully we can do that. I don't know how long I can last now, but if my health stays up I don't think another two or three years would harm me."
Ferguson has made few mistakes in his career, but he has recognised he missed a trick in failing to sign England goalkeeper Hart for a bargain £100,000.
Hart, now 24, joined wealthy rivals Manchester City in 2006 from League Two Shrewsbury Town after United passed up the opportunity to secure his services.
"I could have bought Joe Hart for £100,000 so we all make mistakes," said Ferguson, who signed the now-retired Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar in 2005.
"If you look at the England goalkeeper situation for the last 20 years, I would think he's easily the best."
