The Scotsman explains that family reasons helped make his decision
Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that the death of his wife’s twin sister was the catalyst for his retirement from football management.
Ferguson’s wife Cathy lost her sister, Bridget Robertson, in October 2012; and the United legend knew he had to retire at the end of the 2012-13 season so that he could devote more time towards helping his wife.
The Red Devils have since failed to find an adequate replacement for Ferguson. His successor, David Moyes, lasted only nine months in the job, whereas Louis van Gaal is yet to really convince the Old Trafford faithful.
However, Ferguson admitted in his autobiography that he may have carried on his management career, but the family bereavement was far too important to him personally.
‘I told her this time I was going to retire’
When he spoke to the Telegraph, Ferguson said: “I definitely would have carried on, but I saw she [Lady Cathy Ferguson] was watching television one night and she looked up at the ceiling. I knew she was isolated, her and Bridget were twins, you know?
But when I told her this time I was going to retire she had no objection whatsoever. I knew she wanted me to do it.”
During 27 years in charge of Manchester United, Sir Alex guided them to 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies and many other major honours.
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