Ferguson says Cathy’s sister’s death hastened his Manchester United departure

Cathy, whom Ferguson described as his essential support, died in October 2023 at the age of 84. Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that the death of Bridget, his wife’s sister, was pivotal in his decision to leave Manchester United, announced in 2013 after 27 years at the club.

In his book “Games of My Life”, Ferguson said he had not been thinking about retirement before October 2012, when Bridget died. “I wasn’t thinking about retirement until October 2012, when Bridget, Cathy’s sister, died,” he explained. He also recalled that, from the outside, supporters had little reason to worry: “On the surface, and for the supporters, I’m sure there was nothing to worry about. I was healthy.”

Bridget’s death nevertheless changed how he viewed the next stage of his career. Ferguson said he loved the club and football, and had tried to keep himself fit. But he also spoke of hip pain and the thought that he would never want anyone to see him on the touchline leaning on a cane. “Bridget’s death changed everything,” he said.

He described the shock Cathy experienced, given Bridget’s central place in her life, and called their bond the strongest relationship between sisters he had ever seen. Ferguson said that, apart from Cathy and their children, nobody knew about his decision until David Gill, then Manchester United’s chief executive, visited him one Sunday afternoon in February and said he had also decided to retire.

Ferguson said he kept his emotions in check while telling the Carrington staff, players and coaching staff. It was only after returning to his office and closing the door that he understood what the decision meant. “I sat at my desk and cried. That was when I realised it was over,” he recalled. He knew he would no longer take the team to Wembley or European matches, nor lead a team to win a cup or a championship. After wiping away his tears, he thought it was better to leave quickly, before the news spread.