Retirement not on Ferguson´s mind

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed suggestions he will retire in the foreseeable future.

Ferguson, 68, is the longest-serving manager in British football and has been involved in the game for over 50 years. He made his debut as a player with Queen’s Park in 1958.

He enjoyed considerable success as manager of Scottish club Aberdeen between 1978 and 1986, before beginning his all-conquering tenure at United, where he has won two European Cups and 11 Premier League titles amongst numerous other honours.

Ferguson came close to retiring in 2001 before a change of heart and despite continued speculation that each season may be his last, the Scotsman is adamant that he has no interest in vacating the Old Trafford dugout.

“Retirement is for young people,” Ferguson said.

“I’m too old to retire. I would have nothing to do.”

“As long as my health is in good condition I will carry on. My family will make this decision.”

Renowned for a confrontational and aggressive approach earlier in his career, Ferguson believes he has been forced to soften his approach in line with the changing mentality of modern footballers.

“I’ve mellowed a great deal,” Ferguson said.

“The world has changed and so have players’ attitudes. I’m dealing with more fragile human beings than I used to be. They are cocooned by modern parents, agents, even their own image at times.”

“They need to be seen with their tattoos and earrings. Some players even cry now in the dressing room – (former United captain) Bryan Robson never used to cry.”

“It’s a different world for me so I have had to adapt. There is nothing wrong with losing your temper if it’s for the right reasons. But I never leave it until the next day. I don’t believe in that.”

Ferguson also deflected criticism of United’s American owners, who are unpopular with sections of the support due to the debts they have imposed on the club.

“They have never bothered me or interfered with my job,” Ferguson said.

“I’m probably in a privileged position. Some owners are hands on because they’ve invested a lot of money, not just foreign owners.”

“I’ve heard stories of owners texting managers during training sessions, English owners. Just because people are successful in business, doesn’t mean they will be successful at a football club.”