Sir Alex Ferguson has now adjusted to life without retirement. Manchester United are still trying to adjust to life without him.
Manchester United’s greatest ever manager retired in 2013, with the repercussions still being felt at Old Trafford.
The Glazers‘ poor running of the club meant United were not build to withstand Ferguson’s double departure along with David Gill.
Last season typified United’s inconsistency, finishing down in eighth place in the Premier League, absolutely unthinkable in Ferguson’s era. His side never finished below third, from 1992/93 through to 2013.
United did end the season winning the FA Cup, which Ferguson watched from the stands alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Sir Alex Ferguson misses management
Sir Alex Ferguson spoke in a rare interview to BBC Breakfast about his retirement, and admitted he experiences mixed emotions.
“Yeah, I miss it sometimes,” he said, conjuring up wild thoughts among supporters that he could improbably be convinced to return.
At the age of 82, this is unlikely, and Ferguson is now simply content to be around the game to experience and enjoy it.
Along with following Manchester United, Ferguson can often be seen at European finals – he says these atmospheres are the part of management he misses most.
Ferguson said: “I think the first year after retirement, I went to the European final and I said to Cathy ‘this is what I miss’ – big games, the European games.
“So then I went to most of the European finals because I find something I can relate to, something I would liked to have done every day.
“Because these are the big events that United should always be involved in.”
Manchester United have been in only two European finals since
Sir Alex Ferguson led Manchester United to five different European finals during his time as manager.
The Cup Winners Cup against Barcelona in 1991, a victory, followed by Champions League wins against Bayern Munich in 1999 and Chelsea in 2008.
He then reached two finals against Barcelona in 2009 and 2011 which ended in defeat.
Ferguson was incandescent with rage when a red card to Nani in 2013 ended his progress in what would be his final season, turning the game against Real Madrid.
It’s heartbreaking that United have not really been able to deliver since his departure.
The club have an appalling Champions League knockout record since 2013, and quite often either fail to reach the competition, or even get through the group stage.
United have delivered two European finals though, reaching the Europa League final in 2017, a win, along with defeat in 2021.
It’s heartbreaking how United have not been able to do this with more consistency, and give Ferguson what he wants.
United’s lack of big European success has often left the great manager looking to enjoy the events as they are, without the Red Devils involved.
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