IT'S OVER

Last updated : 25 February 2003 By editor
Daniel Taylor
The Guardian

After supporting Blanc against his critics over the past 18 months and persuading him to sign for another season last summer, Ferguson has decided that, at 37, he is no longer equipped for the demands of the Premiership and the Champions League.

Ferguson has mooted the idea of Blanc taking a coaching role at Old Trafford when his contract expires. Talks will be held at the end of the season and Blanc has given a guarded welcome to the possibility. "There's nothing definite but coaching does interest me," he said.