Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly planning to leave the club in two years' time.

Ferguson begins his 28th campaign as United boss with a trip to Everton on Monday, but for the first time in seven seasons he enters a campaign without a trophy to defend.

According to the Daily Mail, the Glazer family backed a £24m deal to sign Robin van Persie this week because they know that Ferguson is trying to build one of his last great United teams.

A source close to the Glazers is quoted as saying: "Alex will only be manager for a couple more years so it was time the owners gave him what he wanted. That's Van Persie."

United have been strongly linked with another big-money deal before the transfer window closes as they chase Everton full-back Leighton Baines.