I HAVE to say that I am a wee bit concerned about the mental state of Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson CBE. Is Britain’s greatest-ever football boss going soft in his 71st year?

The question surfaces after scrutinising him at two Press conferences – after the shock defeat at Wigan and that incredible 4-4 draw with Everton – and Fergie was all smiles. Jocular, in fact. Unheard of. He would usually bite your head off.

He admits to being more “mellow” in his advanced years and it shows.

Certainly in his reddish complexion and a rather bulbous nose which reflects his love of fine red wine. Nothing wrong with a good Shiraz or Merlot, of course. At least we have something in common.

But the point I’m making is that without Fergie’s renowned hair-drier treatment to under-performing players United are not the same force to be reckoned with.

He reveals: “I don’t have confrontations with players now. I am older and more experienced.”

It was Fergie who coined the phrase “squeaky-bum time” and relished the confrontation at the business end of the season. But five points dropped suggests to many seasoned observers that it is United who are feeling the pinch and pressure.

Which all points to a game nobody dare miss – against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night. A game Fergie describes as “the biggest derby of his career with so much riding on it”.

And if it in any way matches the sensation of Chelsea in Barcelona on Tuesday we can lick our lips at the prospect of another unforgettable evening of emotion and drama. Bring it on.

Fergie says he has another two or three years as manager of the world’s biggest club. I ask why? In his time at Old Trafford he has seen off both Arsenal and Chelsea as title rivals and if United do keep City at bay this season what else is there left to prove? Nothing.

And what a furore this discussion caused at the Weymouth Tandoori in Maiden Street this week. Proprietor Jamal is adamant that this is the right time for Fergie to step down. “If United win a 20th title he should go now and retire as a legend.”

But his senior waiter Obul, a true Red, would have none of it. “Without Fergie United will be nothing,” he boomed. “They will win nothing. Not even with Mourhino. He must not retire.” Okay lads, back to the Rogan Josh.

Whatever happens on Monday one thing is certain.

Sheikh Mansour, having invested over £1 billion on his City project, will never rest until United are conquered once and for all.

He will continue to throw whatever cash is needed to achieve his ambitions and to make the Glazers look like paupers on the bread- line. It is a battle that, ultimately, Fergie cannot win.

That is why I say another title for United will be Fergie’s greatest yet considering the limitless resources of the noisy neighbours. And if he had any sense he would then devote the rest of his life to being a connoisseur of fine wine and to his love of horse racing.

He will have deserved his “early” retirement.