As a manager, Sir Alex Ferguson has few peers. The Scot, who has managed St. Mirren, Aberdeen, and Manchester United during an extremely successful career, is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers world football has ever seen.
He has won more trophies than any other manager in English football, and at Old Trafford, he is rightfully revered in the same way as club legends Sir Matt Busby or Sir Bobby Charlton.
In his 22-year stint at the helm, he has won 10 Premiership titles, five FA Cups, and two League Cup trophies. In Europe, he has added two Champions League crowns and a Cup Winner’s Cup to the Red Devil’s illustrious history.
Put simply, Ferguson has become synonymous with the club.
As such, fans have recently become more preoccupied with Ferguson’s retirement plans. The 66-year old has only fueled such concerns, having publicly admitted he does not plan on staying beyond 2011 (when he would be 70).
What will happen to the club when he leaves?
This is not the first time Ferguson has made retirement plans, however. In 2002, he infamously changed his mind about stepping down, barely months before he was expected to. As a result, many are not convinced the Scot’s words should be taken any more seriously this time around.
Ferguson, however, maintains that his intentions this time are clear—in his own mind at least. As he stated to Daily Mirror:
"I have a plan, there's no question about that."
The problem, however, is that only he knows what that plan is.
Indeed, many of those closest to the Scot refuse to contend such a concrete schedule really exists. As United’s Chief Executive, David Gill, commented:
"[Ferguson] hasn’t said to me that he has a timeline. We haven’t discussed that,” he told the Daily Mail earlier this year. “There have been some comments about being 70, but Alex’s guiding principle on whether he stays has always been about whether he is healthy and has the desire—I’m sure he will have that.”
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"It’s still three-and-a-half years away, we will look at it at that time.”
It is very hard to identify what exactly motivates the Scot to continue working so diligently for Man Utd. With them, he has won more trophies, been more successful in Europe, and signed more quality players than almost any other manager in world football.
In terms of career progression, he is at the very pinnacle.
As such, he could be forgiven for losing his hunger for success. This obviously hasn’t happened.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, there must be a more fundamental reason driving him—an inherent desire that is above and beyond his own self-interest.
That inspiration comes from an obvious source—the club and fans, whose hopes and fears have guided him for the last two decades. It is his rapport with the 75 000 that pack out Old Trafford every week that keeps him striving to bring them the success they crave.
The problem for the Scot, however, is that the other love of his life, his family, have different ideas. His wife, Cathy—who was so instrumental in convincing her husband to continue back in 2002—has recently spoken of her desire for Sir Alex to retire in the near future.
Concerned by the stresses of management (which will have only been heightened by Carlos Queiroz’s departure), she wants him to be able to enjoy a healthy retirement and pursue some of his other interests—including horse racing.
As a result, she has been instrumental in “setting” the 2011 deadline, giving her husband just three more years to achieve any remaining career goals.
Fortunately for Ferguson, there is just one milestone that still eludes him.
At the moment, Liverpool are still England’s most decorated team—thanks to 18 championship titles. Manchester United lie second, with 17 to their name.
The Knight of the Realm must surely have targeted 19 titles as his final goal—conclusively snatching the status of “English football’s most successful club” from his archrivals.
The prospect is intriguing. Even when he joined United, way back in 1986, one of his first comments to the press was expressing his desire to “knock Liverpool off their f*****g perch.”
He later described the task as “my greatest challenge.”
If the Scot were to finally—and indisputably—manage this, drawing a close to his Old Trafford career, it would provide some fitting symmetry.
Ferguson has always had a barely-concealed hatred for Liverpool, as illustrated only last year when he responded to a question from The People, enquiring as to whether he would like to see the Anfield club end their title drought:
"You must be joking. Do I look as if I'm a masochist ready to cut myself? How does relegation sound instead?"
Overhauling Liverpool’s record of 18 titles would be a perfect final career goal—it serves as a target for the Scot to strive for, while simultaneously offering reassurance to his family that he will not be dealing with managerial stresses for much longer.
He could achieve the goal in just two years time. More realistically, it should be fulfilled within the next four (although Chelsea, Arsenal, and, indeed, Liverpool might have something to say about that).
In his book, United We Stand, Kevin Ramsden noted that Sir Alex "goes to more funerals than anybody I have ever met.” As Man Utd.’s manager, perhaps Ferguson is planning on attending one last ceremony—to mourn the death of Liverpool’s reign as England’s greatest ever club.
It would be a fitting end to a remarkable career.
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2 months ago
I think he'd also retire if Liverpool won the League title, maybe not that very year, but the next year for sure.
from 2 months ago
yeah but when are liverpool gonna win the league? not soon anyway..
from 2 months ago
Good point Anthony - I conveniently avoided covering what would happen if Liverpool win the 19th first! Although, as Jon says, that is unlikely - you have to wonder how it may affect Ferguson's plans.
He'd probably be just bloody minded enough to continue on for 20 titles!
2 months ago
Thank you Alex, an excellent read.
A quarter century of domination speaks for itself, leaving the haters drooling with envy.
2 months ago
Great article. No one can compare with Ferguson. I predict he'll be around for 3 more seasons.
2 months ago
Great article.
I too, agree with you in that Ferguson is definitely shooting for topping Liverpool before he retires. His plan for succession took a huge hit now that Carlos Queiroz is gone, but over the years Ferguson has created a school of worthy assistants that he's taught since taking over in '86. How coincidental is it that he'll retire after the 2010 season, when the World Cup will be in full swing? Most national team managers tend to leave their posts after this tournament, and Queiroz will no doubt be seduced to take the reins at Man U after his mentor departs.
2 months ago
Great article. He's definately gonna retire soon. It's only a matter of time. No one can compare with Fergie. However, I find Mourinho more entertaining. 5 starz and POTD.
2 months ago
Excellent work as always Alex.
2 months ago
I think along with the league statistics one of his main goals left is another european cup,Until he wins another Liverpool fans will always try and claim that Bob Paisley was a more sucessful manager.Nice article Alex.
from 2 months ago
Good point Anthony, when I was researching this article it became obvious that success in Europe has become a priority for Ferguson. He would certainly like to win another Champions League trophy, but I am not sure his wife will give him another 9 years (if it took that) to achieve it!
If he managed it in the next three years though, I agree that it could be enough for him to walk away.
2 months ago
Great article Alex. I see reading The Times has been put to good use, a great article that even Martin Samuel would've been proud of.
from 2 months ago
That is high praise indeed Yoosof! But still not good enough for a POTD vote? Damn you and your extremely high standards!
from 2 months ago
Sorry I forgot. I'll give you my POTD right now and 5 stars.
from 2 months ago
Ha ha! My cunning plan worked. Seriously though, appreciate it Yoosof. All of us here in the World Football section seem to be very reluctant to hand out the old MyPicks, a shame.
from 2 months ago
It is a shame. I would hand out more, but most of the time I just forget. I need to remember next time, hopefully it will encourage more to hand out POTDs as well.
2 months ago
hey. nice work..
2 months ago
POTD Alex...It should be used for the right kind of articles...Brilliant article...The period when Sir Alex eventually steps down will be a tough phase..it will a transition for the Red Devils but whether it's Neville, Queiroz, Giggs, Solsjaker, Cantona or even Brian McClair..I think United will be up and running soon enough, keeping the spirit alive.
2 months ago
POTD Alex...It should be used for the right kind of articles...Brilliant article...The period when Sir Alex eventually steps down will be a tough phase..it will a transition for the Red Devils but whether it's Neville, Queiroz, Giggs, Solsjaker, Cantona or even Brian McClair..I think United will be up and running soon enough, keeping the spirit alive.
2 months ago
Great article! This time I think he will retire, but as for beating Liverpool as the most successful club, it'll take more than three years. Remeber Liverpool haven't just won more League titles than anyone else, but more League Cups, and more European Cups than any English team. He would have to win two League titles, six League Cups and three European Cups to overhaul Liverpool, without Liverpool winning a thing!
from 2 months ago
Valid point Barney, although I think the devaluation of the League Cup and FA Cup would mean that, if Man U were to overcome Liverpool's league titles, most would accept them as England's most successful domestic side.
The European aspect is more difficult to overcome - and I bet SAF would dearly love to hang around to surpass that record too. Unfortunately, time is not on his side.
from 2 months ago
And another thing i always observe is when Livepool fans say " he needs to win 3 more league titles to beat Liverpool "
No No No no lets get this straight right here , right now .
Liverpool won the old first division more times than anyone else.........and your point is what ?
The old first division is what is now our CHAMPIONSHIP . So basically Liverpool have 18 Championship titles ( equivelent of )
The PREMIER LEAGUE was an added tier to the football league , much harder league to win , Different trophy , different name altogether , and Liverpool dont have 1 in their cabinet .
I think you will find that YOU need to win TEN to draw level with us , its just another instance of Liverpool living in the past .
We dont need to do anything , we are the best of the MODERN Era of English football , Liverpool were the best in the PAST , its gone get over it .
from 2 months ago
no, no, no mark, the old First Division was the top division, with the best teams in England in it, making the Premier League the equvilant of the First Division. If anything, the old First Division was harder to win, as there were more teams in it to challenege you, and longer seasons to play. The old Second Division is the equivilant of the Championship.
from 2 months ago
Ha ha you made me laugh Barney ,
Yes it was the top division at the time i know that but compared with now it would NOT be the top division ,
Like i said the Premier League was an addition to the football league , we ( Man U ) dont talk about our old first division titles any more nor do we class them with our tally of leauge wins anymore , we class 10 premierships only coz its the present league that both liverpool and man united have been in since it began .
Again like i said Different name , different trophy , completely different League and Era .
Our old first division titles are exactly wat they say on the tin ----History
Liverpools old fist division titles are exactly that too
Im not saying we should forget our clubs history But its been and gone
If the Premiership was to end tomorrow for a completely different named league with another trophy then i would NOT class our 10 premier titles as part of any new era, its in the past , we no longer play in the first division so why should anyone class those wins in conjunction with the league we play in now ????? I just cant understand it .
2 months ago
Interesting article. Like Alf Ramsay, Sir Alex is practically an institution.
2 months ago
as a RED DEVIL myself (love Wayne ....i still believe he is one of the few players, when the nets one at Old Trafford you can FEEL the energy in your living room)
i think fergie certainly has been a character, i think his biggest strength thugh is the fact that he has time and again managed super stars (read, becks, read wayne, read cristiano) and has never lost sight of what he wants
alway puts the team before individuals - just the way he got the ROO-Naldo combination working what hap in he world cup quarters - thats man management for you
lovely - and he loves his wine
liked this one AD - really did - and hence am penta staring this one
nice goin on making he fronts - you are famous now ... and there is no going back
cheers
PS - wanna know why he hates L-Pool ?
2 months ago
the reason for the typos - the 't' is not working fine on my key board ... so bear with me please
2 months ago
You write some gold, Alex. Excellently written and fleshed out. You should be proud, mate.
Keep up the excellent work!
2 months ago
Ferguson has stated before that he is Fearful of retiring because he doesnt want to be sat at home twiddling his thumbs like a pensioner , his wife will probably kick him out the house as she says he is a pain in the ass when he isnt doing something football related .
The players are another reason , players like Wazza and ferdinand keep him feeling young because they have a laugh and joke and are like a family , Ferguson takes the piss out of Rooney coz he wears Grandad style boxer shorts , how many other managers have Fergusons ability to laugh and joke like this ? I cant think of any at all .
I think he will retire when the time is right , I dont really expect that to happen before he is 70 and ill be surprised if he retires even then , look at Sir Bobby Robson , was it 76 he retired at ? And i think Ferguson has much Better health than Bobby did .
For as long as he has the passion , Hunger and mindset he will be Man U manager , as for after he retires Man United are solid now , Like i said before we could have Glenn Roeder in charge and still be a solid club , we have the foundations in place .
Nice article Alex 5* and Pick for getting the debae going .
PS whoever said Fergie will retire when Loserpool win the league......Dream on ,
A-you wont win the premier league , the earth will end before you win it ,
B-If you did win it Fergie will stay until he dies just to take the title back !!!!
2 months ago
Many people says that sir Alex must retire & he cant win anything after this,but iam realy confident that sir Alex can do a lot after this.But i want to ask sir Alex to show them what he can do with great passion & interest for the next two or three years till he retire even if carlos joined portugal international team.
Tezera Alemu from Ethiopia
email, tezerawe@yahoo.com
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