Retired Sir Alex Ferguson returns to management

The legendary Sir Alex Ferguson is set to make a sensational return to management this weekend, marking his first stint in the dugout since his retirement 12 years ago.

The 83-year-old Scot, who famously led Manchester United to unparalleled success during his 27-year tenure, will manage a team in Giuseppe Rossi’s farewell match in Florence, Italy.

Ferguson, who retired in 2013 after guiding Manchester United to 13 Premier League titles, two UEFA Champions League trophies, and numerous domestic honors, has remained a towering figure in the football world.

Since stepping down, he served as the club’s Global Ambassador, a role recently discontinued by INEOS as part of cost-cutting measures.

The occasion for Ferguson’s return is a heartfelt tribute to Giuseppe Rossi, the Italian striker who began his career under Ferguson at Manchester United in 2004.

ADespite making only 14 appearances for the Red Devils, Rossi has always spoken highly of his former manager.

“I only spent three years with him and played little, but he immediately said yes to managing in my farewell match,” Rossi said. “This shows what kind of person he is. He treats me like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 1,000 goals.”

Rossi, who retired in 2023, will be joined by football icons such as Luca Toni, Antonio Cassano, and Gabriel Batistuta for the special match.

The Ferguson fact-file

Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson, born on December 31, 1941, in Govan, Glasgow, evolved from his humble beginnings as a striker in the Scottish leagues to becoming one of the most celebrated managers.

Growing up in the working-class neighborhood of Govan, laid the foundation for his future success.

As a striker, Ferguson played for several Scottish clubs, including Queen’s Park, St. Johnstone, Dunfermline Athletic, Rangers, Falkirk, and Ayr United.

His time at Dunfermline Athletic was particularly notable, as he became the joint-top scorer in the Scottish league during the 1965–66 season, netting 31 goals.

Despite his goal-scoring prowess, Ferguson’s playing career was marked by challenges, including a fallout with Rangers after a mistake in the 1969 Scottish Cup final.

Ferguson’s transition from player to manager began in 1974 with East Stirlingshire, where he quickly gained a reputation for his discipline and tactical acumen.

His breakthrough came at Aberdeen, where he was appointed manager in 1978.

Under his leadership, Aberdeen emerged as a dominant force in Scottish football, breaking the duopoly of Celtic and Rangers.

He led the club to three Scottish Premier Division titles, four Scottish Cups, and, most notably, the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983, defeating Real Madrid in the final.

This victory marked Aberdeen as the third Scottish club to win a European trophy, a feat that solidified Ferguson’s status as one of the brightest managerial talents in Europe.

His success at Aberdeen caught the attention of Manchester United, who appointed him as manager in November 1986.

Ferguson’s arrival at Manchester United marked the beginning of a transformative era for the club.

His early years at Old Trafford were challenging, and by 1990, there were calls for his dismissal.

However, Ferguson’s resilience and belief in his methods paid off when United won the FA Cup that year, securing his position and setting the stage for future success.

The 1992–93 season saw Ferguson lead United to their first league title in 26 years, marking the start of an unprecedented period of dominance.

Over the next two decades, Ferguson built multiple successful teams, each characterized by a blend of youth, experience, and attacking football.

The “Class of ‘92,” featuring Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, and Nicky Butt, became the backbone of his most successful sides.

Under Ferguson’s guidance, United won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, and two UEFA Champions League trophies, including the historic treble in 1999.

Ferguson’s ability to adapt and rebuild teams over the years was one of his greatest strengths.

From the attacking flair of Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo to the defensive solidity of Roy Keane and Nemanja Vidić, Ferguson consistently evolved his teams to stay ahead of the competition.

Ferguson retired at the end of the 2012–13 season, having won his 13th Premier League title with Manchester United.

His departure marked the end of an era, but his influence on the game remains profound.

In retirement, Ferguson took on the role of Manchester United’s Global Ambassador, representing the club worldwide and mentoring younger managers.

His leadership and management techniques have been studied at institutions like Harvard Business School, and his autobiography, Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography, offers invaluable insights into his philosophy and approach to success.

Despite facing a life-threatening brain hemorrhage in 2018, Ferguson made a remarkable recovery.

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