MX23RW : Friday, March 29 09:57:23| >> :60:1195:1195:

Manchester United confirm Sir Alex Ferguson retirement

Man Utd confirm Ferguson retirement
© PA Photos
Manchester United confirm that manager Sir Alex Ferguson will retire following an illustrious 26-year career at Old Trafford.

Manchester United have confirmed rumours that manager Sir Alex Ferguson will retire at the end of the season following an illustrious 26-year career at Old Trafford.

Widespread reports emerged overnight claiming that the Scotsman was considering stepping down from his role with the Premier League champions ahead of a scheduled hip operation this summer.

While the club had initially refused to confirm or deny the rumours, the North-West outfit have since announced that the 71-year-old will leave his post just weeks after guiding the club to their 20th league title.

"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly," Ferguson told the club's official website. "It is the right time."

Owner Avie Glazer added: "I am delighted to announce that Alex has agreed to stay with the club as a director. His contributions to Manchester United over the last 26 years have been extraordinary and, like all United fans, I want him to be a part of its future."

Chief executive David Gill, who will also leave his role at the end of the season, 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."

Ferguson leaves the English champions with 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cup trophies, two Champions League honours and 20 other pieces of silverware.

ID:83350: cacheID:83350:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3331:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson during his side's match against Norwich on March 2, 2013
Read Next:
Ferguson arrives for training amid rumours
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!