Sir Alex Ferguson is set to retire from Manchester United after the season to bring an end to an era at Old Trafford. The historical manager has just won United’s 20th Premier League title , but he has now decided to leave the game after 26 years at the club.
Ferguson was named the manager of England’s most popular club in 1986 and has since brought in 13 Premier League titles to go along with 31 other championships from tournaments around Europe.
Ferguson overtook Sir Matt Busby’s record of longest tenure with Manchester United in 2010, and he will now go down as the greatest manager in the club’s history. His last match with the team will be at West Brom on May 19. His last match at Old Trafford will be a week earlier, on May 12th, against Swansea City.
The Red Devils secured their 20th title a few weeks ago but the match against Swansea City will now be more meaningful than ever. Those in attendance will get to see the end of a dominating era, though some are still recovering from the shock of the news.
Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the retirement on Manchester United’s website Tuesday morning.
“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly,’” said Ferguson. “It is the right time.”
In 2012, it was rumored that the Scottish manager was planning on retiring after United sealed their 20th title as the season was drawing to a close. It never came, as rival Manchester City stole the Premier League right from under Sir Alex with two late goals in stoppage time against the Queens Park Rangers on the final day of play.
The Red Devils were celebrating at Old Trafford, believing they had won the title, while City’s historical comeback was being played on the big screen. The celebration came to an abrupt end and so did Ferguson’s decision to retire.
He was back with Manchester United this season and he returned the club to it’s former glory with the help of striker Robin Van Persie. The newest Red Devils’ star led the Premier League in goals while United brought the title back to Old Trafford.
Will Sir Alex Ferguson’s overnight retirement from Manchester United serve as a road block for the club as they look to defend their Premier League title next season?
[Image via Austin Osuide ]