Manchester United have confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson will retire at the end of the season. He will continue to serve as a director and ambassador for the club.
Manchester United have confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson will retire at the end of the season. He will continue to serve as a director and ambassador for the club.
Rumours have been rife, but apart from the media speculation, United are now forced to adhere to the strict regulations of the New York Stock Exchange in terms of the release of significant information relating to the running of the club following last August’s partial flotation. Any change of management falls within those requirements. Manchester United shares lost 5 per cent of their value in early trading, but a bounce back may occur.
Sir Alex is due to have a hip replacement operation in the summer. Sir Alex has always said that his health will be a crucial factor determining how long he stays as manager. He had a pacemaker fitted in 2004 because of a heart irregularity. A year ago he had a nose bleed that would not stop and had to be taken to hospital. He accepted that as a sign that his body was telling him to slow down.
Rumour is also naming David Moyes as his replacement, but this remains speculation, although the bookmakers have shortened his odds considerably. If Moyes did go to Old Trafford, it would be a considerable blow to Everton as he has enabled them to punch above their financial weight.
I am not a United supporter and as a Premier League neutral I am not sure that United’s dominance is good for the competition. Nevertheless, their achievements have been built on the very considerable managerial skills of Sir Alex, after a somewhat rocky start. He is without doubt the outstanding UK football manager of his generation.
How United will fare without him remains to be seen. But the commercial model they have built, particularly in sponsorship, remains second to none and the training and development infrastructure of the club is first rate.