Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could reportedly miss the start of next season because of hip surgery.

According to The Mirror, the veteran boss has been struggling with a hip problem for some time and will have to have surgery prior to next season, but he could struggle to return in time for the new Premier League campaign.

The Glaswegian, 71, is believed to have planned the operation so as not to miss the Red Devils' pre-season tour of Thailand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong.

That Eastern trip comes to an end on July 30, leaving Ferguson little time to have the operation and recover in time for the Community Shield against either Manchester City or Wigan Athletic on August 11.

It is said that Ferguson has only missed three games during his 1,497-match, 27-year reign at Old Trafford.