Sir Alex Ferguson's old friend Dave Whelan yesterday claimed that the Manchester United boss will quit at the end of next season.
Ferguson predicted that he would stay on for another three years when he turned 70 on New Year's Eve, but said health will be the deciding factor.
Last week Ferguson was taken to hospital by ambulance after suffering a nosebleed that would not stop before he was due to speak at a dinner in Glasgow, and Whelan believes the Scot will retire in 12 months.
The Wigan chairman said: 'After next season, Sir Alex will call it a day. The pressure is telling, especially when you're at the top for so long.'
'He had a little scare and that tells me he will think very hard and realise there is no point trying to carry on and take the risk.'
