Fergie wants out before he turns 70
I'LL QUIT WITHIN THREE YEARS
By DAVID HARRISON
SIR ALEX FERGUSON has set the date for his retirement and will quit Manchester United in three years.
Fresh from his second Champions League win, Ferguson dismissed whispers claiming he would walk away on a high.
But the United boss, 66, admitted he would go before his 70th birthday.
I'm scared of quitting, says Fergie: Click here for full story
Fergie talked us to glory, says Rooney: Click here for full story
Fergie said: "I won't be managing here when I'm 70. No, never. I can assure you of that.
"I won't be managing here any more than three years at the very, very, very most — no question.
"There is a time when you have to think about time for yourself. You know, my wife is getting older and I have to think about that.
"I think she deserves a bit of my time. The older you get, the more guilty you feel about it.
"What I would like to do in life is travel to places I have never been to.
"I would love to go to the States and spend about three or four months there.
Sacked
"I will still be involved with United in some shape or form. I hope so because I have a good relationship.
"There is no chance of me ever being sacked. I think it will be my decision and David Gill is happy with that."
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have resorted to more dirty tricks in their bid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo by claiming they are negotiating with the Glazer family.
The Spanish giants say they have ignored Ferguson and chief executive Gill and contacted the club's American owners directly.
But that has been denied out of hand by a spokesman for the family, who said: "As Sir Alex and David Gill have already said, Ronaldo is not for sale."
In a further bizarre twist, Spanish sports newspaper Marca claim Real have a club car (right)ready and waiting for wing wizard Ronaldo.
The top-of-the-range Audi has been pictured in a club car park with a hand-written notice on the dashboard saying: ‘Deliver to Cristiano Ronaldo'.
i don't think that he should go He's shush a good manager he got man utd the win the title and the win on pens 6-5 against chelsea
Posted by: Connor Robertson | May 25, 2008 at 08:42 AM | Report this comment
Fergie to retire now, no chance. he is enjoying this team far to much for that to happen. with a couple of the right signings, he knows that this squad of players really could be the best he as ever had. while i am going on, what about abit of credit to the glazier family. well done yanks. all the more so when you look around at whats going on in football. long may fergie rule, as long as he can keep those marvelous standards up any way. and then enjoy a long and happy retirement.
Posted by: gary | May 25, 2008 at 09:54 AM | Report this comment
I'm ashamed to admit I was one of those saying Fergie had lost it in the Djemba Djemba (etc )period.I'd grown up on UTD success and expected it all the time.He's bound to have the odd signing that doesn't work and I was wrong to doubt him.To come back with the current team is even more testament to his genius.Whenever he retires he will deserve a long and happy one.Thanks Fergie.
Posted by: Garry G | May 25, 2008 at 10:23 AM | Report this comment
I would just like to ask a few of the critics what they think of Fergie now? Lets not forget a few seasons ago they said Fergie had passed his sell buy date?!?! I personally believe he will step down when Man Utd beat Liverpools trophy count!
As for Madrid? ? ? Ronaldo to go to la liga would be a step back - Premium League best league in the world!!
Posted by: Neil | May 25, 2008 at 10:35 AM | Report this comment
Carlos will take over and Ronnie will Stay....he seems the best bet to follow the great man, Sir Alex will beat the Liverpool target...and win a hat trick of Champions league Cups!
Thanks Sir Alex...
Posted by: Daren | May 25, 2008 at 11:34 AM | Report this comment
A F should hang up his boots he will never overhaul
our record of 5 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE trophies .look at his record 2 champions league trophies in 10 years that shows he has little tactical acumen when he faces the bigger boys of EUROPE.Look how BARCA dispite being past their peak tore MANU apart at will.BARCA did not have their shooting boots on ,the only tough opponent they dispatched was BARCA.hope next year they are pitted against the big boys REAL,LIVERPOOL,INTER,JUVE then they can be truly called CHAMPS OF EUROPE for now they have only conquered ENGLAND or chelski as the case might be then of course a third rate ROMA with no pedigree .
Posted by: ian (liverkook1) | May 25, 2008 at 03:02 PM | Report this comment
Whats that ian (liverkook1)? No tactical acumen ?
I think 10 Premier League Titles disprove that theory. How many have the Scousers won ?? Oh yes NONE !!!!!
Posted by: keano | May 25, 2008 at 05:52 PM | Report this comment
I think this is the best opportunity for Ferguson to retire from football management on a high note and get the credit for his tremendous achievements with Man. United. If Ronaldo leaves Man United, they will find it very difficult to find replacement for him and it is very unlikely they will be able to retain the Premier League, never mind the Champion's League. I know Fergie's ultimate goal is to match Liverpool's achievements both domestically and in Europe, but that will take more years than he has got left as a football manager!
Posted by: Ylli Hasani | May 25, 2008 at 11:59 PM | Report this comment
Ian, your comments are way too hash. Man. United right now is everything Liverpool wants to be. Back to back EPL winners, European champions and best manager, and got the best player in the EPL. Highest goal scorers in the league and best defence in the league. They never met Real Madrid,Juventus,Liverpool or your so called big boys because they were just not good enough this season. Remeber, Fergie prayed for Liverpool to beat Chelsea in the semis, but they failed. Man. United is the best team in Europe this season. too bad for all you sore losers. Up United
Posted by: Benny U | May 26, 2008 at 12:09 AM | Report this comment
It wasn't that long ago Liverpool fans were saying we will never beat their league record. Well we're now one season from equalling that so, it's funny how they've shut up about that and moved onto talking in terms of European Cups. Fergie may not beat Liverpool's European record but United will do it. Liverpool used to be great but that really was a long time ago 3 decades ago.
The thing that they are so bitter about is the fact that, whilst we are catching up in the history race, all they can do is stand still and watch (poor souls). Well I hope you're still around for these debates when we pass you by singing "You'll Never Get A Job".
Posted by: United | May 26, 2008 at 12:40 AM | Report this comment
Glory glory manutd. Sir Alex should be commended for his achievement. by far, he is the best european football manager around. his records speaks for itself. no manager present has achieve what he has achieved and none i believe would.He alone knows when to retire and when that time comes, we would send him off with a heartfelt send off. The glaziers familly should be commended also for their support since they took over despite all the dooms story that they were painted with by the english media. long may they raign. UP MAN UTD.
Posted by: Nestor. London | May 26, 2008 at 06:40 PM | Report this comment
Sir Alex is the best manager in club football and has been for some time. He will retire once he "knocks liverpool of their perch". Some may say he's has already done that but he's not the type of man to leave with the mission incomplete. When he retires in three years { hopefully he'll stay longer}he will have overtaken liverpool in premier league titles and be the only manager to win 3 European titles. His achievements thus far have been EXTRAORDINARY and his determination to succeed is second to none. Great signings, tactics to rival any grandmaster and a strong contingent of natives in his side should be blueprint for any manager. Long may he and United continue to rule. It's going to be an exciting time. Glory Glory Man United
Posted by: JigahMan-U | May 27, 2008 at 10:47 AM | Report this comment