Sir Alex Ferguson retires as Manchester United manager after over 26 years in charge

[Blackleaf]

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has announced today that he is to retire at the end of the season, after being in charge of the club since November 1986, making him the current longest-serving manager in English football. Everton manager David Moyes, a fellow Glaswegian of Ferguson, is the overwhelming favourite to succeed the legendary manager. Moyes is himself the third-longest serving manager in English football, having been in charge of Everton since 2002.

Ferguson, 71, is the most successful manager in British footballing history, winning 13 league titles (out of a total of 20 for Manchester United, more than any other team in England), two European Cups (out of three in total for the club), five FA Cups (out of a club total of 11) and a European Cup-Winners' Cup. His last game in charge of Manchester United will be away against West Bromwich Albion on the 19th May, Manchester United's last game of the season.

The news broke at around 9am this morning. After an early training session this morning at their Carrington training ground the players have gone on their annual trip to Chester Racecourse to watch the horseracing.

Looking to the future: Sir Alex Ferguson will retire as manager of Manchester United at the end of the season

Getting away from it all: Manchester United players spent the day at Chester Racecourse this morning after being told the astonishing news by a tearful Sir Alex Ferguson earlier that morning at Carrington


Shortly after the players arrived at Carrington, he gathered the team - and even the tea ladies - together in the changing rooms and, in a short but heartfelt speech, announced he was to step down at the end of the season after landing his 13th Premier League trophy.

He told the players that he was sorry he had to break the news to them now and that he had been hoping to delay the announcement and do it under his own steam.

Speeding away: Everton manager David Moyes, the overwhelming favourite to become the new Manchester United manager, is driven from Everton's Finch Farm training ground this afternoon

Bad start: Ferguson watches his first United game, a defeat by Oxford in 1986. His last game will be against West Bromwich Albion on May 19th.

First of many: Ferguson cradles the FA Cup in 1990, his first Manchester United trophy. He would get his hands on many more trophies to become the most successful manager in British football history...

Fergie's first league title with Manchester United came in 1993, their first league title since 1967. Under his reign Manchester United would go on to win another 12 league titles - their most recent coming on 23rd April - and would surpass Liverpool in winning a record number of English league titles, 20 so far in total

He then took his technical and coaching staff into a briefing room and spoke to them, before finally addressing all the rest of the staff in the canteen.

An emotional Ferguson told of how proud he was of the whole staff's dedication and the work they had put in during his 26-and-a-half years at the club. He also praised his wife Cathy for her dedication.

Some members of staff, particularly those who have been at United for 30 years, were in tears while Ferguson spoke and the manager himself was choked up.

He admitted there might be some changes at the club after his departure but did not address whether any staff at the training ground would be losing their jobs.

He was due to join the players at their racing day out in Chester, but did not travel on the team coach at lunchtime.

United have already chosen the great Scot's replacement, and it is understood that David Moyes is set to be unveiled and the link with Jose Mourinho has been dismissed despite the Portuguese's talks with Chelsea stalling.

No 1 signing: Eric Cantona (right) was possibly Ferguson's most important acquisition

FERGUSON'S STATEMENT

'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 organisation 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 set-up will ensure that the long-term 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 honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United.'

FERGUSON'S FABULOUS 49

Fergie kisses the European Cup in 1999 after Manchester United beat Bayern Munich in the Final. It was the first time since 1968 that they won the great trophy and they would win it again under Sir Alex in 2008.


Sir Alex's 49 trophies as manager of three clubs is the most successful managerial career Britain has ever known.

ST MIRREN
Scottish First Division (1): 1976-77.

ABERDEEN
Scottish Premier Division (3): 1979-80, 1983-84, 1984-85.
Scottish Cup (4): 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1985-86.
Scottish League Cup (1): 1985-86.
European Cup-Winners' Cup (1): 1982-83.
European Super Cup (1): 1983.

MANCHESTER UNITED
Premier League (13): 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2012-13.

FA Cup (5): 1989-90, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1998-99, 2003-04.

League Cup (4): 1991-92, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2009-10.

Charity/Community Shield (10): 1990 (shared), 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011.

Champions League (2): 1998-99, 2007-08.

European Cup-Winners' Cup (1): 1990-91.

European Super Cup (1): 1991.

Intercontinental Cup (1): 1999.

FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2008




Read more: Alex Ferguson told his players he was retiring today with heartfelt speech in Carrington training ground | Mail Online

 

[Nuggler]

Thanks for that, Blacky. I would have missed it. Life would never have been the same.














:roll:

 

[Blackleaf]

Why post on this thread if you are not interested in the story?

 

[coldstream]

Going out on top. Most people stay too long and wait to be pushed as the glory fades. But as far as i can tell he's pretty well irrepraceable as a proven championship winner.. really in a class of one.

I would hate to be put in the role of trying to fill his shoes. David Moyes is good.. but you can almost hear the 'he's no Sir Alex' echoing through Old Trafford already.

 

[coldstream]

David Moyes has been sacked as Man U manager after less than 10 months of the job. It seems to me he really wasn't given a chance, and it would have been impossible to meet expectations of matching Alex Ferguson.

Man U has been stale for a while, badly in need of new young blood, and the Glazer family of America has leveraged the club to the hilt, diminishing its ability to deal on the hugely expensive transfer market.

Apparently some of his senior players balked at his new systems and training regimen. He needed a fresh start and the ability to re-form the club around his system and he wasn't given that chance.

Moyes seems to be still held in high regard in the Premier league, being speculated as a replacement for Arson Wenger at Arsenal, another legend in the league.

 

[Blackleaf]

David Moyes has been sacked as Man U manager after less than 10 months of the job. It seems to me he really wasn't given a chance, and it would have been impossible to meet expectations of matching Alex Ferguson.

Man U has been stale for a while, badly in need of new young blood, and the Glazer family of America has leveraged the club to the hilt, diminishing it ability to deal on the hugely expensive transfer market.

Apparently some of his senior players balked at his new systems and training regimen. He needed a fresh start and the the ability to re-form the club around his system and he wasn't given that chance.

Moyes seems to be still held in high regard in the Premier league, being speculated as a replacement for Arson Wenger at Arsenal, another legend in the league.

The trouble with modern football, in Britain at least, is that managers are no longer given enough chance. Just a small string of bad results and fans start wanting them sacked - and then they get sacked.

If it was the same back in 1986 then Fergie would not have been there enough time to bring all those trophies to United and become the greatest manager in English football history. Had he been sacked after just 10 months, after becoming United manager in 1986, then United would, most likely, have not won those 38 trophies that they won under him, including a record 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League titles.

In fact, United won nothing under Fergie until 1990, when United defeated Crystal Palace in that year's FA Cup Final. For the first three and a half years, Manchester United stuck with Fergie despite him winning nothing. They were patient and stuck by him - and their loyalty paid off because, as we know, Fergie ended up delivering 38 trophies to the club, with the last being the 2013 Premier League title.

So that is a perfect example of how being patient with a manager, and not wanting to sack him after just five minutes, can pay off. And the funny thing is that United used to pride themselves on sticking by Fergie even in the tough times, and used to separate themselves from other clubs who sack managers after they lose three games on the trot.

But now they haven't shown such patience with Moyes. United will now get their lowest points total ever in the Premier League and they have not qualified for next season's Champions League for the first time since 1996, but I do think they have been a bit trigger happy in sacking Moyes. If they had stuck by him the way they stuck with Fergie in the beginning who knows what would have happened?

And remember that it was Fergie who picked Moyes as his successor, and even urged United fans to stick by Moyes at all costs. At the start of the season United fans waved placards calling Moyes "The Chosen One". But after a bad season they ended up flying planes over Old Trafford trailing banners declaring Moyes "The Wrong One".

So who will replace Moyes? United legend Ryan Giggs will take charge of United temporarily until the end of the season, aided by former United and England star Paul Scholes. They have never had a foreign manager, but it seems likely they will go for a foreigner this time, with several top foreign managers in their sights.

Five contenders to replace David Moyes as Manchester United manager


Louis van Gaal and Carlo Ancelotti offer experience and flair, Roberto Martínez and Diego Simeone innovation and Jürgen Klopp has the personality to make José Mourinho seem boring

Louise Taylor
The Guardian
Monday 21 April 2014 18.26 BST

Borussia Dortmund's Jürgen Klopp and his 'heavy metal music' managerial style will no doubt interest Manchester United. Photograph: Dani Pozo/AFP/Getty Images

Jürgen Klopp
Dortmund

The Borussia Dortmund manager ticks an awful lot of boxes but does he really want the job? Two Bundesliga titles plus a Champions League runners-up medal achieved on a relatively modest budget at Dortmund while playing high pressing, fearless, entertaining football will appeal to the Old Trafford hierarchy. He also possesses the emotional intelligence and, importantly, humour necessary to connect with today's super-rich young footballers.

Klopp, 47 in June, has compared his managerial style to "heavy metal music" and is something of a renaissance man. A complex character blessed with sufficient "personality" to make even José Mourinho seem a little boring. He has variously provided expert, highly rated, football analysis on German television, made a small fortune from fronting advertising campaigns and is an evangelical Christian. He is also noted for his loyalty and opposition to breaking contracts. When recently asked about United's perceived interest, he said: "Nobody at Dortmund has to worry about that. We're all in love with this club and how it does things." He would certainly know how to bring out the very best in his former Dortmund protege Shinji Kagawa too after professing himself to be "heartbroken" by the player's tactical treatment by Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes.

Louis van Gaal
Holland
The Holland coach is admired by Tottenham but after long hankering for a Premier League job, could well be persuaded to divert north. The 62-year-old former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager is a practitioner of wonderful attacking "total" football within the strict parameters of often ingenious tactical systems. Famously demanding of his players, brutally caustic with the media and undeniably arrogant, Van Gaal can be a slow starter as first-teamers adjust to his modus operandi – including relentless training-ground drills – but usually ends up a winner. A "systems-manager" who believes the coach is king and his tactics the key, he is full of contradictions. A strangely non-materialistic, almost ascetic, multi millionaire, he can be startling left field yet incredibly conservative, eminently logical yet invariably imaginative. Significantly Van Gaal often succeeds best with younger professionals. Some fear this "genius" coach's often less than subtle man-management may be too blunt for sensitive British footballers but the CV of a man who, before joining Bayern, locked himself away in a monastery in order to swiftly learn German, demands instant respect. Any relationship with Wayne Rooney looks potentially turbulent but could keep his compatriot Robin van Persie content.

Roberto Martínez
Everton

Might United recruit the right manager from Everton this time? The 40-year-old Spaniard has taken the team from Goodison Park to dizzy heights David Moyes believed they were incapable of scaling and they could yet pip Arsenal to Champions League qualification. Martínez was responsible for creating Swansea's much admired passing philosophy before an impressive stint spent generally defying the odds while playing exciting football at low-budget Wigan. Eventually Wigan did get relegated but not before Martínez had led them to FA Cup final glory against Manchester City. Well educated – he has a degree in physiotherapy and a diploma in business management – highly articulate, refreshingly humble and immensely likeable he is also a workaholic. At home he has installed an L-shaped sofa in the sitting room, enabling him and his wife Beth to sit together in the evenings while watching separate televison sets. Wearing headphones, Martínez analyses numerous football matches from around the world, with their various tactical nuances sparking his lively imagination. Firm but fair and an expert developer of young talent – just ask Everton's Ross Barkley – he is a coach footballers relish playing under. Possessing impressive international contacts, particularly in Spain, while knowing the Premier League inside out, Martínez can also prosper on a tight budget.

Diego Simeone
Atlético Madrid
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The one-time Argentina defensive midfielder infamously involved in David Beckham's sending off at St Etienne during the 1998 World Cup in France, Simeone has taken Atlético to the top of the Spanish league where they sit perched above clubs boasting five times their budget. The road towards breaking La Liga's Barça-Real duopoly has seen him win the Europa League, Copa del Rey and Uefa Super Cup with Atlético as well as finishing third in the league last season. Currently preparing to face Chelsea in the club's first Champions League semi-final for more than 40 years, the 44-year-old is a clever coach who loves counterattacking football and has little time for endless passing with no end product. A stylish pragmatist on the pitch, he is a shrewd, innovative man manager and brilliant motivator off it with a reputation for being able to get inside the heads of players. Capped more than 100 times by Argentina and a midfield star in Italy and Spain, he is big on "respect" and reveres "tradition". Drawbacks? Simeone is far from fluent in English.


Carlo Ancelotti
Real Madrid

It is beyond United's wildest hopes – and bank balance – that he could bring Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale on the plane with him from Real Madrid but Ancelotti might be a very good fit at Old Trafford. Not only is the former Juventus, Milan, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain coach well versed in the Premier League but he practises the sort of sophisticated attacking football United crave. With his 55th birthday falling in June the Italian has a few years left on the managerial clock but plenty of experience – and influential European contacts – to draw on. Having just won the Copa del Rey he is currently preparing for a Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich and hoping to overtake Atlético Madrid in La Liga. If the treble – or even a double – is secured Ancelotti may well stay put but should Real stumble he could be back on the market and interested in pursuing a spot of unfinished English business. Most people feel Roman Abramovich parted company with him far too soon and he would doubtless delight in reminding Chelsea of his ability. It might also increase the chances of either Ronaldo returning to United or Bale arriving.

Five contenders to replace David Moyes as Manchester United manager | Louise Taylor | Football | The Guardian

 

[Blackleaf]

Manchester United: Louis van Gaal confirmed as new manager

Van Gaal will be United's first foreign manager

19 May 2014
BBC Sport

Louis van Gaal has been named as the new Manchester United manager, with Ryan Giggs working as his assistant.

Van Gaal, 62, has signed a three-year contract to succeed David Moyes.

The Dutchman, who has won titles with Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AZ Alkmaar, will take charge at Old Trafford after leading the Netherlands at this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

"This club has big ambitions; I too have big ambitions. Together I'm sure we will make history," said Van Gaal.


Glory for Van Gaal

• National titles: Ajax (1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96), Barcelona (1997-98, 1998-99), AZ Alkmaar (2008-09), Bayern Munich (2009-10)
• Champions League: Ajax (1994-95)
• Uefa Cup: Ajax (1991-92)

After ending Moyes's troubled 10 months in charge in April, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is convinced he has appointed the right man this time.

"His track record of success in winning leagues and cups across Europe throughout his career makes him the perfect choice for us," said Woodward.

Giggs, 40, is yet to confirm whether he will continue his playing career while working alongside Van Gaal.

The Welshman, who took charge for the final four games of the season following Moyes's departure, met Van Gaal in the Netherlands last week to talk about his future.

"I am thrilled to have the chance to serve as assistant manager," he said.

"Manchester United has been a huge part of my life and I'm delighted to be able to continue that relationship in such a key role."

United finished seventh in the Premier League, after a title defence that featured one-sided defeats by Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.

They have failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 1995-96 and are out of European football entirely for the first time in 25 years.

Club legend Giggs, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti and Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp had been linked to the post after Moyes's dismissal, but Van Gaal is the man trusted to restore the club to the top of the domestic and European game.

The new United boss is expected to be given significant transfer funds to bring in new players.

Known for his teams' attacking style and his demands of discipline from his players, he came to prominence when he guided a young Ajax team, featuring Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids and Patrick Kluivert, to a surprise Champions League final victory over AC Milan in 1995.

He won two Spanish league titles with Barcelona, but failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup with the Netherlands.

Van Gaal returned to Barca, but left the Catalans only three points above the relegation zone in La Liga when he was dismissed after half a season.

He revived his reputation back in his homeland, leading AZ Alkmaar to only the second Dutch title in their history, and then took Bayern Munich to the German title and the Champions League final in 2010 - his first season in Bavaria.

He was dismissed after results tailed off in the following campaign, but laid the foundations for Bayern's current domination of German football by promoting young players such as midfielder Thomas Muller.

He has a strong relationship with United striker Robin van Persie, whom he installed as Netherlands captain in June 2013.


Second time around

Van Gaal claimed in his 2009 autobiography he had been lined up to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at United in 2002, but the Scot changed his mind to continue at the helm for another 11 years.

BBC Sport - Manchester United: Louis van Gaal confirmed as new manager

 

[DaSleeper]