Sir Alex Ferguson Reflects on Football and Personal Life Post-Retirement

Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary football manager, has expressed longing for his former career in management during a rare in-depth interview. The iconic figure, now 82, retired from managing Manchester United at the conclusion of the 2012-2013 season, marking the end of an illustrious 27-year tenure with the club. Under his leadership, Manchester United clinched their 13th Premier League title. His former team has struggled to replicate such success in the subsequent years, with rivals taking the lead in English football.

During an interview with BBC Breakfast, Ferguson candidly shared his feelings about retirement and his life thereafter. “I’ve been retired 11 years now, so you find a way of adjusting,” he remarked. Despite his contentment, Ferguson admitted to missing certain aspects of managing. “Yeah, I miss it sometimes,” he confessed, adding that the thrill of big games, especially European finals, is something he longs for. “These are the big events that United should always be involved in,” he stated, highlighting his ongoing passion for elite-level football.

Throughout the last decade, despite Manchester United’s absence from the grand stages of the UEFA Champions League, Ferguson has frequently attended these high-profile matches. His illustrious managerial career saw United securing the Champions League titles in 1999 and 2008, though they faced defeat in the finals of 2009 and 2011 against Pep Guardiola‘s formidable Barcelona squad.

A part of Ferguson’s legacy includes having a stand named after him at Old Trafford since 2011, and a statue unveiled by his late wife, Cathy, who passed away last October at the age of 84. Reflecting on their long-lasting marriage, Ferguson described Cathy as his “bedrock,” acknowledging the profound impact of their 58-year relationship on his life.

In 2018, Ferguson faced a significant health scare with a brain haemorrhage, which necessitated emergency surgery at Salford Royal Hospital. More recently, he expressed concerns about memory loss, a worry amplified by the struggles of fellow football legends Bobby Charlton and Denis Law with dementia. “I’m 82, obviously I worry about it,” he admitted, emphasizing his proactive approach by engaging in activities like reading and participating in online quizzes.

Manchester United has faced a challenging period of transition in the post-Ferguson era, with several managers including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer assuming the role, but failing to achieve sustained success. Current manager Erik ten Hag retains his position after a crucial FA Cup victory, all under the scrutiny of new owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, who are eager to restore Manchester United’s former glory.