Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has called for Sir Alex Ferguson to remain manager of the club indefinitely.

The Red Devils boss turns 71 next month and has been tipped to consider retirement if he secures the Premier League title this season, but the Frenchman wants to see him at the helm "forever".

The Mirror quotes him as saying: "Alex Ferguson is young, has so much energy, so much love of the game, so many things to give, more and more and more.

"And I love to watch them winning things and I want Ferguson to be manager forever. He's a winner, that's why he has won so many things.

"It's what is incredible with him, next game is like the first game of his career, and he gives you that – his passion, his love of the game, love of winning things."

Cantona, who scored 64 goals for United between 1992 and 1997, is currently director of football with New York Cosmos.