Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson wants captain Roy Keane to take over the Old Trafford hot seat when he eventually stands down.

Three years ago Ferguson abandoned plans to retire and now says he will be in charge for at least one more year, marking the 20th anniversary of him taking the job after moving from Aberdeen in November 1986.

"I will carry on at United next season and I have a contract to do that," Ferguson told Friday's Sun newspaper.

"But when I do move on I would like to see Roy Keane taking over.

"He is a leader on the pitch and he could be that kind of leader sitting on the United bench too."

Ferguson will be on a 12-month rolling contract next season.

Keane, 33, has been at United since 1993 and is taking his coaching badges.

The combative Ireland midfielder has been outspoken in his criticism of some of his fellow players in recent seasons and last week said that not every United player could say they were giving 100 percent.