Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that his decision to retire from managing Manchester United was influenced significantly by his desire to spend more time with his wife, Cathy, especially following the tragic loss of her sister.
Recall that Alex Ferguson spent 27 years as the manager of Manchester United before he decided to bow out in 2013. Afterward, he was made the global ambassador of the club, a role that would expire at the end of this season.
During Ferguson’s managerial career at Manchester United, he led the club to unprecedented success, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, and a host of other trophies that cemented his legacy as one of the greatest managers in football history.
However, his retirement marked a turning point, particularly as it came 13 years after he had first announced his intention to step down, only to reverse the decision.
While speaking on McCoist’s podcast, Ally’s Social Club, Alex Ferguson elaborated on his motivations for leaving Old Trafford. He shared that months before his exit, Cathy’s sister had passed away, which left a profound impact on her.
Recognizing her emotional state and the toll that it took on her, Ferguson felt a deep sense of responsibility. The 71-year-old retired Scottish tactician said: “Cathy’s sister had died in the previous October and she was lost.
“She was definitely lost, so at Christmas; I said to her, ‘Look, I’m going to retire at the end of the season.’
“I knew by her reaction that she was delighted because she was on her own. She had given her life to me, everything to me.
“[She was] looking after me because of my job… bringing the kids up. When I said I was going to retire, she was delighted and I knew that. I could tell by her body language.”
Note that Alex Ferguson lost his wife, Cathy, in 2023 at the age of 84.
