Family tragedy and sacrifice: The untold story of Sir Alex Ferguson's Man Utd exit

Sir Alex Ferguson retired from Man Utd to spend more time with his grieving wife Cathy. (Image: Ally's Social Club)

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that his decision to retire as Manchester United manager in 2013 was motivated by a desire to support his wife Cathy, who was struggling to cope with the loss of her sister.

Ferguson, 82, had spent 27 years at the helm of the Red Devils, leading the team to numerous successes, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League victories.

Although it was widely assumed that Ferguson's retirement was due to his age, 71 at the time, he recently shared with Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist on his podcast, Ally's Social Club, that there was another factor at play.

Related articles Erik ten Hag slams 'fairytales and lies' as Man Utd boss confirms INEOS talks Real Madrid's reaction to Zinedine Zidane decision explains Man Utd stance Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Ferguson recalled: "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.

const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&vp_content=plembed3e7arguyxmsj&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)};window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

"[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."

File photo dated 12-05-2013 of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with the Barclays Premier League trophy, after the game PA Photo. Issue date: Thursday June 25, 2020. Liverpool have won their first title since 1990. PA takes a look at some of the things which happened in the intervening period. See PA story SOCCER Liverpool 1990 Things. Photo credit should read Martin Rickett/PA Wire. (Image: PA)

Ferguson departed the managerial stage with a 13th Premier League winners medal, outstripping earlier squads as United clinched the title by an 11-point margin over local rivals Manchester City.

Reflecting on his crowning glory, he shared: "I always said when I got to January what I did every January 1st, I wrote down every year where our opponents' games could be won or lost and I put us down to win by 10 points.

"The team was playing really well, and I thought we'd do that. But I think it was 11 points.

"They did really well, the team did really well and Van Persie was fantastic, his goals, his thrust in the game, his power and confidence."

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

LONDON - FEBRUARY 19: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK TABLOID NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his wife Cathy Ferguson arrive at The Orange British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) at the Odeon Leicester Square on February 19, 2006 in London, England. (Photo by Dave M. Benett/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images) Related articles Leny Yoro 'drops hint to friends' on Man Utd return as injury crisis rocks squad Arsenal urged to sign ex-Man Utd star Jose Mourinho left on the verge of tears Thomas Frank makes 's***' remark as he offers Erik ten Hag view

Post-retirement, Ferguson's commitment to the club continued for 11 more years in the role of a global ambassador and director. Yet, his long-standing tenure is set to close at season's end.

The esteemed Scotsman's departure is reportedly linked to cost-cutting strategies taken by United, which have so far resulted in 250 staff cuts.

On the field, the club faces challenges, stumbling into the international break after a poor start - their most dismal since 1989.