Sir Alex Ferguson is going to retire at the end of the season

[ian1964 10,431]

Sir Alex Ferguson will step down as Manchester United manager at the end of the season after 26 years in charge.

 

The Scot, 71, has won 38 trophies since taking over from Ron Atkinson on 6 November 1986, including this season's Premier League title.

 

His haul includes 13 titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and five League Cups.

 

"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about. It is the right time," Ferguson said.

 

"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.

Alex Ferguson's Man Utd trophies

 

Premier League: 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013.

 

FA Cup: 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004

 

League Cup: 1992, 2006, 2009, 2010

 

Champions League: 1999, 2008

 

Cup Winners Cup: 1991

 

FIFA Club World Cup: 2008

 

UEFA Super Cup: 1992

 

Inter-Continental Cup: 1999

 

FA Charity/Community Shield: 1990 (shared), 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011

 

"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,

 

Ferguson is the most successful manager in the history of the British game and famously won a treble in 1999.

 

He is undergoing a hip operation in the summer and that may have triggered his decision to step down.

 

Bookmakers have made Everton manager David Moyes odds-on favourite to take over at Old Trafford.

 

The Scot is out of contract in the summer at Goodison Park having delayed talks on a new deal until the end of the season.

 

Ferguson gave no indication he was thinking over his future when writing Sunday's programme notes against Chelsea.

 

He said: "I certainly don't have any plans at the moment to walk away from what I believe will be something special."

 

But rumours of his retirement filtered out after the club's end-of-season players versus coaches golf day at Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester on Tuesday afternoon.

 

Former Wigan manager Paul Jewell paid tribute to Ferguson's ability to deal with the pressures that come with managing United.

[Gribz 743]

The day had to come sometime and I would have backed money on it being this season once he won the title. It was due to be last season had he won the league then.

 

Will feel very strange as everyone has only known the Premiership with him.

 

I used to have a strong dislike for Man Utd but dont mind them now but always liked Fergie.

 

Deserves to enjoy his retirement. Without doubt the best manager of my lifetime and arguably the best of all time. He surpassed Matt Busby for me.

 

Next up Moyes or Mourinho.

[The Real PapaBear 0]

I'm just worried that the pull of Old Trafford might be too much for Ally to resist.

[ian1964 10,431]

I'm just worried that the pull of Old Trafford might be too much for Ally to resist.

 

Knowing the Scottish mHedia they will have an article about how TLB was considered as his replacement!.

[Darthter 542]

I'm just worried that the pull of Old Trafford might be too much for Ally to resist.

 

haven't you heard...there's only one possible manager to replace Sir Alex, and only Man Utd are big enough to temp him away from his current club.....It's gotta be Neil Lennon... :roflmao:

[Super_Ally 0]

I wrote this, motivated by Fergie - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=364633370304291&set=a.273997222701240.46735.273995559368073&type=1

 

Not a Man U fan, but the guy is peerless for repeated success.

[craig 5,199]

He does deserve to enjoy his retirement.... but he wont be relaxing by the sounds of it. He is still a Director, still a club ambassador and, in his own words, will spend time on his other interests (he is big into horse racing) - so he will certainly be kept busy, though it will hopefully be less stressful for him.

 

Given his reocrd over the years at St Mirren, Aberdeen and Utd I think he deserves to be called the best of all time.

[54andcounting 0]

Quite incredible he went 4 years in the job before he won a trophy..can't see his replacement getting the same time

[craig 5,199]

Quite incredible he went 4 years in the job before he won a trophy..can't see his replacement getting the same time

 

I dont think his replacement should get the same time anyway.

 

The club that Sir Alex inherited was far inferior to the club that he has left to his successor.

[foggy dewhurst 0]

i just wished he would have came to ibrox when he had the chance