By Lee Savery.
Sir Alex Ferguson has announced he is to retire at the end of the season from his position as Manchester United manager.
The surprise announcement was made this morning through a statement released by the official Manchester United website. Rumours had circulated late last night that the Scot would step down after the squad took part in their annual club golf tournament.
He will take a position on the Manchester United board as a director, a role Sir Matt Busby took when he stepped down from his long reign. He will also act as a club ambassador.
Joining the club from a successful spell as Aberdeen manager, on the 6th November 1986, it took time for the manager to create the legacy that he will be remembered for forever. His first trophy came in 1990 with the FA Cup – some say he would have been sacked if he had not have won the trophy.
It was the beginning of an incredible reign that brought a total of 38 trophies to the club. Those include: 13 league trophies, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
His reputation as one of the greatest managers of all time has been acknowledged in the many tributes that have been said this afternoon. His ability to build squads with a great youth system and shrewd transfer signings is second to none. Something the club will want in his replacement.
Ferguson’s final match at Old Trafford will take place on Sunday against Swansea City, the day he lifts the league trophy one final time. His last match as manager will take place at The Hawthorns against West Bromwich Albion on 19th May, his 1500th match in total.
Currently, there are a number of possible candidates to take the role. The favourite is widely to be considered to be Everton manager David Moyes, whose contract runs out at the end of the season. Also considered by man is the current Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho, who has stated his desire to return to England at the end of the season.
An announcement on who will replace Ferguson will be made by the weekend. Whoever replaces Ferguson will have a big act to follow.
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1 Comment
Struggling to put into words how today’s news has made me feel.