Sir Alex Ferguson opens up on stepping down at Man United and decision to call it quits

Sir Alex Ferguson retired from managing Manchester United to support his late wife Cathy.

In Ferguson's final season at Old Trafford, Cathy was mourning the heartbreaking loss of her sister Bridget Robertson. It was a difficult period for the Ferguson family, particularly for his other half, whom he married in 1966.

Ferguson, 82, announced his decision to leave the Red Devils in May 2013, weeks before he would go on to win his 13th and final Premier League title. Looking back on that period of time, the Scot provided the context around his decision.

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While speaking on Ally McCoist's podcast, 'Ally's Social Club', which is produced by TNT Sports, Ferguson said: "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. [She was] looking after me because of my job... bringing the kids up.

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"When I said I was going to retire, she was delighted and I knew that. I could tell by her body language."

He would sign off with a 13th Premier League title, despite having what many considered to be a less formidable squad than in previous victorious years. United finished the campaign 11 points clear of second-placed Manchester City.

Reflecting on his final league win, Sir Alex added: "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."

Ferguson remained on the books of the club as a global ambassador and club director. However, he was recently informed his role will cease at the end of the current season, as part of cost-cutting measures at the club.

The full episode of Ally’s Social Club with Sir Alex Ferguson will be available to watch on TNT Sports’ YouTube channel from midday today and broadcast on TNT Sports 1 at 10.30am on Saturday.

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