The 71-year old Scot has been in charge of United for 26 years and has been the fulcrum of the club’s success in the last two decades.
Ferguson took over as coach of Manchester United on 6 November 1986 and has amassed a total of 38 trophies since then.
“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.”
Ferguson has won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
He will now become an ambassador of the club as well as take up the role of director.
“I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential,” he added.
“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,” Ferguson added.
“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.”
There are early permutations as to which manager would succeed him,with both Real Madrid’s manager Jose Mourinho and Everton’s coach David Moyes lined up as possible successor.
The news will jolt the club,considering Ferguson’s antecedents,being the most successful British manager.
No comments:
Post a Comment