Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates 23 years in the Manchester United hotseat today just delighted his health has stood up to the strain.

It was 1986 when Ferguson headed south from Aberdeen to replace Ron Atkinson, so setting in motion the transformation of United from perennial underachievers to their present status as England's dominant force for nearly two decades.

Although plenty have attempted to predict a likely retirement date for the famously driven Scot - and the man himself planned one in 2002 - he remains totally focused on further glory.

But Ferguson admits none of it would be possible without his health.

Although he maintains a punishing schedule the United manager remains fit, conducting regular early-morning gym sessions and is generally relaxed.

He did have a pacemaker fitted in 2004, but aside from that, the 67-year-old is unaffected by the strains of his job.

"There is no sign of my drive or desire lessening," he said.

"People will judge it differently of course but I am lucky because I have had my health.

"We are all subject to different deteriorations in health as we get older. You can't avoid it. There may be little small things.

"But overall, I have been lucky."