LONDON, Aug 7: Sir Alex Ferguson wants to become general manager of Manchester United when his

current contract runs out in three years' time, reports AFP.

The treble-winners’ manager has set his heart on moving to an 'upstairs role' rather than leaving Old Trafford for good.

Ferguson, who will have been United manager for 16 years in 2002. said he would jump at the chance of becoming general manager.

"Of course I would, and that’s the kind of active role I would enjoy with the trust of whoever replaces me." said Ferguson. "He will have his job to do. and I will be peripheral."

Ferguson, in an interview with the BBC on Saturday, insisted he would want the role to be a back-seat one.

"In three years' time I will have done 16 years as manager of Manchester United. 28 years In total in management. 1 think 1 deserve a rest first of all.

"It's a good time to say 'It's the end’, but there may be a challenge of a different nature." he said.

"A lot of people get very frightened with that word 'general manager' because in Italy it is the dominant role and there is that great fear at Old Trafford, about ITO Sir Matt Busby years ; and ftis influence on: the play<

"I hope the new manager when he comes along will understand if I am around in whatever capacity that I have had plenty of pressure and if he wants my advice, then fine; if not then he's got his own job to do."

Ferguson, meanwhile, says

*-he sympathises with the plight of his fellow Scot Walter Smith 'it Everton, the team United face1’

in their opening Premiership game of the season on Sunday.

The Everton boss has had a difficult summer since he steered the club away from the drop last May.

Mark Pembridge and Richard Gough look inferior replacements for the departed Olivier Dacourt and Marco Materazzi, while exciting prospect Francis Jeffers has stunned Smith by asking for a transfer on the eve of the new campaign.

Ferguson feels Smith, who assisted him when he was Scotland coach, has done well given all the problems he has had to contend with.

"I think Walter has had a difficult time." he said. "He has had to sell players because of the financial situation of the club and that's very unfortunate for a club of Everton's size.

"I think Walter has done very well in stabilising the club and preventing them from getting relegated knowing all nis problems."

United have a defensive headache going into the game because of injuries. Missing are Ronny Johnsen (knee), David May (medial ligaments), Wes Brown (cruciate ligaments) and Gary Neville (hip).

Jaap Stam has an ankle problem and United are anxious that he recovers to partner Henning Bergin. the heart 6f the backltqey''''--1