BR - Alex Ferguson is a legend. There is no question, no doubt, no valid argument against such a statement, and if there is, I'm yet to hear it. That said, he cannot go on forever. A fact he himself acknowledges at various press conferences and post-match interviews with increasing frequency. However, what happens when he does eventually vacate the most prestigious (and daunting) job in World football?
As long as he doesn't leave the next manager with having to rebuild the squad I think Utd will be fine.
He just wants the right person to succeed him i think be it mou or pep.
I think Ferguson will know himself when it is time to go and not prolong it so much to hurt the club badly. I don't think any debate over that is useful right now anyway. Look at the league table at any suggestions he is losing his touch. He has had his ups and downs (more ups than downs!) over the years and last season was a notable down, but I think he is already well on the way to correcting it this season.
As for replacements, I would much prefer someone like David Moyes, because he has proven himself in England year after year after year with no money. Huge respect for what he has done with Everton and the time he has lasted- nearly 11 years now, third in all England behind only Wenger and Ferguson himself.
United need Moyes to come in who is still not even 50 years old yet, and stay at United for 20 years. He could continue the stability and not suddenly want away like Mourinho or Guardiola when things don't quite go perfectly....