Sir Alex Ferguson to step down as Manchester United manager

“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,” Ferguson said on United’s website (www.manutd.com).

After the Scotsman secured a 13th Premier League title two weeks ago – extending the club’s record English championship haul to 20 – he declared that he had no retirement thoughts.

But now he has just two more matches left in charge of the club he has turned into one of the world’s biggest sports teams.

“It was important to me to leave an organization in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so,” Ferguson said. “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.”

Ferguson will stay at the club as a director and an ambassador.

The Scot took charge in 1986 and his arrival heralded an unprecedented period of success for the club,including 13 English league titles,five FA Cups and four League Cups.

He also steered the club to two Champions League triumphs and FIFA’s Club World Cup.

Text of statement by Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson announcing his retirement:

“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 organization 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 setup will ensure that the longterm 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.

I must pay tribute to my family,their love and support has been essential. My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career,providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.

As for my players and staff,past and present,I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.

In my early years,the backing of the board,and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular,gave me the confidence and time to build a football club,rather than just a football team.

Over the past decade,the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy Chief Executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.

To the fans,thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honor and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United.”