Sir Alex Ferguson has sat at the head of Old Trafford for a quarter of a century. After 26 years and 38 trophies he has finally conceded to retirement. Sir Alex said that after thinking about the idea a great deal, he realized that it was the right time to retire.
Just 17 days ago, his team, the English Club Manchester United won their 20th top-flight title. Manchester United has millions of fans the world over. The club is listed at the New York Stock Exchange and is considered as one of the biggest football clubs in the world today.
End game
Manchester United is scheduled to play a home game against Swansea City at Old Trafford on Sunday. Ferguson would still be present on May 19 in what would be going down the annals of history as the last home game of his career. Manchester United will be pitted against West Bromwich Albion and this is Ferguson’s 1,500th as the person in charge of Manchester United.
Legacy
Ferguson has expressed his confidence on the team that he would leave behind and that they are ready for more success. He said that the club that his successor would inherit from him is “in good health.” He added that the future of the club is bright. For Ferguson, it is important for him that the organization he leaves behind is in the “strongest possible shape” and said that he believes he had done so. Ferguson is scheduled to undergo surgery soon.
The frontrunners are said to be David Moyes of Everton and Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid. The next person to take the job of the most successful manager in the history of Manchester United would have to be ready to deal with the largest football club in the world. And bookmakers are currently busy taking bets.
Career achievements
Sir Alex is now 71 years old. He has reaped an impressive horde of 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, a couple of Champions League crowns, and 13 league titles. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron tweeted that the veteran Scot’s achievements at Manchester United are exceptional. Michael Owen formerly of ManU striker declared that it is improbable that Ferguson’s managerial record would ever be eclipsed.
Accolades
Ferguson’s managerial expertise has given him the reputation as one of the most successful in the world of football. Joel Glazer, the Co-Chairman of Manchester United said that Sir Alex’s determination to the club and to success is remarkable. David Gill, the Chief Executive added that what Sir Alex has done for the game and Manchester United will not be forgotten.
The editor of World Soccer magazine, Gavin Hamilton said that as a manager, Ferguson is unsurpassed, particularly his skills in dealing with the corporate nature of modern football. He said that Ferguson is completely dedicated, uncompromising, and tough and that Ferguson’s successor is surely faced with a tough act to follow.
Fans have also quickly responded to the news of Sir Alex’s retirement by expressing their appreciation to the famous manager of ManU with the handle #thankyousiralex at the social micro-blogging site Twitter.
Photo Credit: Alex Ferguson
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