Sir Alex Ferguson has reiterated his support for a winter break in English football - but is happy to leave the Christmas fixture list in place.

While other top leagues across Europe take a vacation from competitive football over the festive period, it is often the busiest time in the domestic calendar, leading to frequent calls for a break.

Players and managers from the continent are among the most fervent advocates of a winter break, but the Manchester United manager also sees the benefits.

Now he has sketched an outline of how a break could benefit players and retain the traditional festive fixture list.

The Scot told the club’s official magazine, Inside United: “I’ve thought long and hard about this, and I have a plan. You could keep the Christmas fixtures as they are, but stagger one round of 10 league matches throughout January.

“Three games could be played on the first weekend, another three on the next weekend and the final four on the third weekend. TV broadcasters wouldn’t lose out because they can show matches each weekend - and players could rest.”

Ferguson also believes both players and fans would be well served by pushing back the end of the season.

“Last season the league finished on May 11. Why can’t we extend it until the end of that month and take two weeks off in January?” he said.

“The weather is better in May, and there’s no issue with worn-out pitches in modern football. Will it ever happen? Well, I’ve been talking about a winter break ever since I came down to England, 22 years ago. The managers have continually asked for one, but the people in charge still think football is a winter game.”