Manchester United manager,
Sir Alex Ferguson, has
announced his decision to retire at the end of the season. The 71 year
old, who became Man U manager in 1986, will bow out after WBA game on
the 19th May and will join the football club board as director and
ambassador
Sir Alex is the most successful manager in English football history. He
won 38 tropphies, including two Champions League and 13 Premier League.
Sir Alex Ferguson
told United’s 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.
"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.”
“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.”