Man Utd Confirm Sir Alex Ferguson Retirement, But He’ll Remain At Club As A Director

The day all Manchester United fans have been dreading has finally arrived; Sir Alex Ferguson will retire at the end of the current season.

The Telegraph were first to break the news late on Tuesday night that Sir Alex was giving serious consideration to calling time on his 26-year reign at Old Trafford. The report claimed staff had told players at a United golf day yesterday that a major announcement was imminent and rumours quickly flooded the internet that Ferguson was set to retire.

The club have now confirmed on ManUtd.com that the 71-year-old will call it a day after United’s final game of the season against West Brom and will move up stairs to join the club as a board member and ambassador.

Ferguson will retire as the most successful manager in English football history and won his 13th league title this season, wrestling the Premier League trophy back from ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City.

Announcing his decision to retire, Sir Alex Ferguson told the clubs official website:

“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time.

“It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so. The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one.

“Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world.

“Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both Director and Ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.

“I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential. My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.

“As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.

“In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.

“Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy Chief Executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.

“To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United.”

David Gill said:

“I’ve had the tremendous pleasure of working very closely with Alex for 16 unforgettable years – through the Treble, the double, countless trophy wins and numerous signings.

“We knew that his retirement would come one day and we both have been planning for it by ensuring the quality of the squad and club structures are in first class condition.

“Alex’s vision, energy and ability have built teams – both on and off the pitch – that his successor can count on as among the best and most loyal in world sport.

“The way he cares for this club, his staff and for the football family in general is something that I admire. It is a side to him that is often hidden from public view but it is something that I have been privileged to witness in the last 16 years.

“What he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be forgotten. It has been the greatest experience of my working life being alongside Alex and a great honour to be able to call him a friend.”

Focus will now turn to who will replace the great man and it’s going to be a huge task for any manager to come in and fill the boots of Sir Alex. Not only will he be replacing the most successful manager in history, but he’ll also have to work with Ferguson still at the club as a director.

What do United fans make of Fergie’s retirement? Who would you like to replace him? Share your views below.