By Andrew Warshaw
May 8 – Manchester United have confirmed rumours that Sir Alex Ferguson, the most successful club manager in the history of world football, will retire after more than 26 years.
Ferguson had been due to step down in 2002 but changed his mind and maintained his ferocious appetite for the game. But news reports suggest that, at 71, he is finally ready to leave Old Trafford this summer along with chief executive David Gill.
Favourite to succeed Ferguson would be fellow Scot David Moyes whose 10 years at Everton are likely to come to an end with the expiry of his current contract this June. Moyes has been a regular face in the directors’ box at Old Trafford down the years.
In 2008, Ferguson became the third British manager to win the European Champions League Cup on more than one occasion and, in all, he has collected 38 major trophies including 13 league titles.
United, already crowned champions this season, have two matches remaining, at home to Swansea this Sunday and away at West Bromwich.
Owned by the American Glazer family, United listed on the New York Stock Exchange last August and must abide by regulations governing the release of important information to shareholders related to the running of the club.
Announcing his decision to retire, Sir Alex Ferguson said: “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.
“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.”
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