MANCHESTER - Ryan Giggs believes talk of Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement as manager of Manchester United is premature.
The club's longest serving player claims the 66-year-old Scot "is enjoying it more than ever".
Ferguson indicated in an interview with French radio that he would bow out in three years.
He later played down the situation in his media briefing before the FA Cup match against Portsmouth on Saturday at Old Trafford.
Giggs, 34, is convinced the manager will be around for many years to come.
He said: "He will retire some time but I cannot see it in the near future.
"He has a hunger for the game and is enjoying it more than ever.
"He is enjoying the way the team plays. His desire is there for all to see as well."
Ferguson has a hard core of bright young talent to call on in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Anderson, Nani and Darren Ferguson.
The future looks rosy for United and that is why Giggs believes the boss will stick around.
Giggs said: "He has brought exciting young players to the club and I am sure he will want to see it through and watch them fulfil their potential.
"It is exciting for all of us, like myself, players who have been here a long time.
"You can see their desire every day in training and in games. There is a determination among the group to improve.
"The manager enjoys watching them go through their paces, like we all do.
"While he has mellowed from my days in the youth team, it is plain to everyone here that he is still intent on winning more trophies."
Britain's most decorated boss will have spent 25 years at the helm at Old Trafford, should he retire in 2011.
But he is refusing to put a timescale on when he will leave Old Trafford.
In his pre-match media conference, he said: "It is something I have said quite a bit. If your health is good and you are enjoying your job, it could be two or three years.
"I am not going to pigeon-hole myself on that one.
"It could be four years, it could be tomorrow. It is impossible to put a time limit on something like this."
Ferguson has won 18 trophies after arriving at the club in November 1986 from Aberdeen - and remains anxious for more.
United are still in line for the treble for the first time since 1999 and are odds-on to defeat Portsmouth.
They are also aiming to retain their league title and have already booked a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League this week after beating Lyon.
Ferguson had initially planned to retire in 2005, only to change his mind.
That decision was vindicated as he rebuilt his side, going on to claim last season's Barclays Premier League crown.
His thoughts at the moment, however, surround his team selection for the Cup game.
Ferguson is of a mind to freshen up his side after the victory against Lyon in midweek which secured a place in the quarter finals of the Champions League.
Giggs is fit again following a calf strain while Paul Scholes could also come into contention.
Ferguson said: "I have a difficult choice to make. That seems to be the norm at the moment but something I relish.
"I am happy about the situation as without this squad we would not be where we are."
United have lost only once in 13 games while Portsmouth have not won at Old Trafford since 1957. But Ferguson remains cautious.
"It will be a good test for us," he said. "But we have a home draw and that is all you can ask for. Hopefully we will come through okay."
