REPORT: Man United Alex Ferguson retiring at end of season

Alex Ferguson is retiring at the end of the season, bringing a close to a trophy-filled career of more than 26 years at Manchester United that established him as the most successful coach in British football history.                       

"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly," the 71-year-old Scotsman said in a statement on Wednesday. "It is the right time."              

The club, which is owned by the American Glazer family and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, did not immediately announce a successor.                           

Since taking charge at Old Trafford in 1986, Ferguson has won a total of 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League championships, two Champions League titles and five FA Cups. 
               
Ferguson reversed a previous plan to retire at the end of the 2001-02 season. After United secured its latest Premier League title two weeks ago extending the club's record English championship haul to 20, Ferguson declared that he had no retirement thoughts.                  

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

"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 setup will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one."                  

Ferguson has previously said only health problems would force him to relinquish the job, and it emerged over the weekend that he requires hip surgery. However, the retirement statement did not mention health issues.                      

Ferguson will continue to loom large at United as he will remain as a club director and ambassador.                  

"With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future," Ferguson said. "I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential."                              

Ferguson thanked his players for their "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," Ferguson said.       


AP

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