Fergie Time: The Thought Process Behind Sir Alex's Retirement

On Wednesday morning Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson summoned his coaching staff into his office and revealed that the previous evening’s reports were, in fact, true.

Late Tuesday the Telegraph had revealed Ferguson was considering imminent retirement, and just hours before the club released its official statement the Scot broke the news to his coaches in person.

“Just this morning he called us into his office and said what direction he took,” offered Rene Meulensteen in a brief interview with Sky Sports outside the Carrington training complex. “It has always been on the cards. There is speculation every season and the manager kept his cards close to his chest. I think he felt the time is right now and he has made the decision.”

But why now, and why so suddenly?

When asked about his retirement plans at the close of the 2009-10 Premier League season Ferguson replied that the only determining factor in an eventual exit would be his health. “And,” he added, “I am in rude health.” (Goal.com)

He was 68-years-old at the time and turned 71 this past New Year’s Eve. Much can change in three years, and last Friday it was learned he would be undergoing hip surgery in early August, shortly after returning with the club from a three-week tour of East Asia and Australia.

The recovery timeline would have likely seen Ferguson miss the start of the season, and with both his brother Martin—United’s European scout—and trusted chief executive David Gill set to resign their posts, the combination of circumstances likely played a part in the retirement decision.

Peter Schmeichel, the legendary Danish goalkeeper signed by Ferguson in 1991, said he was saddened by Wednesday’s news, adding, “[Ferguson] had always said he would retire when something in his life wasn’t right, and it must be something we don’t know about.” (Guardian)

Whether that’s true or not, the spectre of summer surgery and the resignation of two of his closest club allies likely played a part in the timing of his decision.

So, too, might have the availability of the top candidates to succeed him at Old Trafford.

Fellow Scot David Moyes—long believed to be among the leading contenders for the United job—has only a few weeks remaining on his contract with Everton and perhaps Ferguson realized the time was at hand to make a move for the 50-year-old.

Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, is likely to depart Real Madrid at the end of the season, and maybe his impending exit had something to do with the sudden nature of Wednesday’s announcement.

But all that is merely speculation at this point.

In any event, United are reportedly in contact with Ferguson’s successor and could unveil his identity within the next 48 hours.

But for now it’s all about Ferguson, who, as he said himself, built “a football club rather than just a football team.”

Added David Gill: “We knew that his retirement would come one day, and we both have been planning for it by ensuring the quality of the squad and club structures are in first-class condition...What he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be forgotten.”