Sir Alex Ferguson to Retire after 26 Years in Charge of Manchester United


By Lungani Zungu    08-May-2013 14:44 UTC+02:00

alex-fergussonVeteran Coach, Sir Alex Ferguson (71) has intentions of calling it a day at the end of the season, after spending 26 years with Manchester United. “The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about. It is the right time,” Ferguson said.

There’s no doubt that Alex is one of the most successful British football managers, his achievements with the Red Devils include 13 league titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA cups and League Cups, in total Alex Ferguson won 38 Trophies during his tenure at Old Trafford.

BBC sports reported that, Sir Alex Ferguson believes he is leaving United in good shape, saying “The quality of this league-winning squad, and the balance of ages within it bodes well for continued success,” Sir Alex Ferguson said.

However, it is not clear as to who will succeed the successful Scottish born coach, but Real Madrid’s coach, Jose Mourinho and Everton’s David Moyes are amongst those earmarked to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson.

If Ferguson stands by his decision to retire at the end of the season, then his last game which will mark his 1500th in charge at Old Trafford, will be against West Brom United.

Ferguson has over his reign at the Red Devils discovered and nurtured talented footballers including David Beckham, Ryn Giggs, Micheal Owens, Christiano Ronaldo to mention a few. He is the coach who has over the years thrown his weight behind young players. Ferguson praised the people he felt helped him build the club from a team that had not won a title for 26 years into one of the biggest in the world.

“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,” said Alex.

Alex also thanked his warriors and the fans of the Red Devils : “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. 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. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich,” concluded the veteran football manager.

Ferguson’s Man United 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, and 2011


Leave a comment