Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United’s legendary manager, will retire as a club ambassador at the season’s end, according to a source familiar with the decision. The announcement is pending, and the source spoke on the condition of anonymity.
At nearly 83, Ferguson’s departure is said to be amicable, with the club affirming he will always be welcome at Old Trafford. Renowned as England’s most successful manager, he led United to 13 Premier League titles and 28 major trophies before retiring in 2013.
Ferguson’s exit comes amid significant changes at the club, including a $1.3 billion investment from British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who acquired a 27.7% stake. This investment has initiated a restructuring that involves staff redundancies and cost-cutting measures, resulting in reported losses of $148 million.
Ferguson joined United in 1986 when the club was struggling. He ended a 26-year title drought in 1993 and dominated English football until his retirement, finishing with an 11-point lead over Manchester City. He also secured two Champions League titles and an unprecedented treble in 1999.
Despite retiring, Ferguson has remained active, attending matches as the club faces a decline in performance. Ratcliffe’s minority stake has prompted a shift in control, with new leadership in place, including CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth, alongside key figures from Ineos Sport on the board. Ferguson will continue as a non-executive board member.
