‘I miss it sometimes,’ says Sir Alex Ferguson as former Man Utd manager opens up in rare interview
LEGENDARY Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has opened up about “missing” life in the Old Trafford dugout.
The 82-year-old retired from management in 2013 following a 27-year spell with United.
He is still widely considered one of the greatest managers of all-time, having won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League titles.
Although he stepped away from the job over 11 years ago, Ferguson admits it has taken time to adjust to life outside of football.
In a rare interview with BBC Breakfast, the Scottish icon said: “Good yeah, I have been retired 11 years now so you find a way of adjusting.”
Asked if he misses life in management, he continued: “Yeah, I miss it sometimes.
“I think the first year after retirement, I went to the European final and I said to Cathy ‘this is what I miss’ – big games, the European games.
“So then I went to most of the European finals because I find something I can relate to, something I would liked to have done every day.
“Because these are the big events that United should always be involved in.”
Ferguson’s wife, Cathy, passed away last October at the age of 84.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
The couple had been married for 57 years having tied the knot in 1966.
Cathy supported Fergie in his recovery after he suffered a brain haemorrhage six years ago.
The legendary boss made a full recovery after being given a 20 per cent chance of survival.
Ferguson spoke to BBC Breakfast as part of National Playlist Day, which is a UK-wide celebration of the power of meaningful music for people living with dementia.
He said: “Fortunately my memory is quite good, pray the lord and touch wood it will stay that way.
“I read a lot, I do quizzes, and I think that helps, there is the YouTube quizzes with 100 questions and if I don’t get 70 per cent I’m struggling.”
Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten Hag
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.