My job is completely different and carries a heavier load than Mourinho's Sir Alex Ferguson Man Utd v Newcastle Webb backs Ferguson

Ferguson had said: "I will carry on at United next season and have a contract to do that. But when I do move on I would like to see Roy Keane take over."

Now the Scot says the story has been "spun out of all proportion".

"It's nonsense," he added. "I wouldn't presume to have the authority to make these decisions. These were comments made eight weeks ago."

Ferguson has endured a difficult season, with United failing to make an impact in the Premiership or Champions League.

That has led to speculation that Ferguson will resign, or be sacked, and Keane has been mentioned as a possible successor.

Feature The race to succeed Ferguson

"What I said - as I have always said - is that Roy Keane has got the potential to be a manager if that is what he wanted to be.

"He is taking his badges and it all seems quite straightforward. But he is our captain and he plays - that is his job."

Ferguson also took the opportunity to deny any interest in selling Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Reports have suggested United wanted to bring in Real Madrid's Michael Owen in exchange for Van Nistelrooy moving to the Bernabeu.

But Ferguson said: "The idea that we would tout the best forward in Europe around is such rubbish it's hardly worth commenting on.

After the success Ferguson has given us, he deserves to say when he should go From NS Have your say on 606

"The truth is we are not touting Ruud, we have not been touting Ruud and there is no chance of us touting him in the future."

But Ferguson did not deny taking a swipe at Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese is on the brink of leading the Londoners to their first title in 50 years, but Ferguson downplayed Mourinho's role.

In an interview with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Ferguson said: "It is said that Mourinho is the number one but at 63 I'm not jealous of my competitors and what they win.

"I have been a manager for a long, long time and won many trophies. Anyway, my job is completely different and carries a heavier load than Mourinho's.

"Mourinho has a completely different culture at Chelsea than I do in charge at Manchester United. I'm a manager, not merely a coach.

"I make decisions about signings. I have the responsibility for the first team - plus the reserves and the United academy."