Sir Alex Ferguson's New Book: On Retirement, Pep Guardiola, His Brain Haemorrhage, Lady Cathy, and a New Old Trafford

Legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has released a new autobiography today, titled Games of My Life. Following the book's launch, several of its most compelling excerpts have quickly circulated across social media.

On stepping down as Manchester United manager in 2013

"I took great care to keep my decision to retire a secret. I hadn't even contemplated stepping down until October 2012, when Cathy's sister, Bridget, passed away. On the surface, and certainly to the fans, I'm sure everything appeared normal. My health was good, I made an effort to stay in shape, and I felt I had plenty of energy—even if the hip pain flared up at times, making me think I'd hate to ever be seen leaning on a walking stick along the touchline. I loved the job and I loved football, but Bridget's passing changed everything.

"It was a massive blow for Cathy, as Bridget had been a constant presence in her life for as long as she could remember. The bond between them was the closest sisterly connection I have ever seen. Aside from Cathy and our sons, nobody was aware of my plans until David Gill [then United's chief executive] came to see me on a Sunday afternoon in February to tell me he had also decided to step down.

"I managed to hold my emotions together while delivering the news to the coaching staff, the players, and everyone else at Carrington. It was only when I returned to my office and closed the door behind me that the full weight of it hit me. I simply sat down at my desk and wept. That was the moment I knew it was all over. I would never lead this team out at Wembley or in European ties again, nor would I ever send a side onto the pitch with a title or cup on the line. Once I dried my eyes, I knew I had to clear my desk quickly before the news went public.

"Four days later, we were at Old Trafford to play Swansea. The quietest spell of any matchday for a manager is while the players are out warming up on the pitch. I was in the dressing room with our masseur, Rod Thornley, sitting on the treatment table having a chat. In that moment, I couldn't stop the thought entering my head: 'I will never experience this again.' I said as much to Rod, and he replied with utter conviction: 'You won't last. You'll be back next year, mark my words.' I was just desperate for kick-off, so I didn't let myself get swept up in second thoughts or nostalgia..."

On his regret over missing out on Pep Guardiola as his successor

"Over the past decade, I've often wondered what might have happened had that dinner with Pep in New York back in 2012 taken place just a few months earlier. At that point, I hadn't made my mind up about retiring. Pep, on the other hand, was convinced that following his immense success [at Barcelona]—winning a continental treble as well as a domestic league and Champions League double in just four years in La Liga—he wanted to test himself in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich. If I could turn back the clock, we would have had that dinner earlier, I would have poured him plenty of Tignanello, and I'd have done everything humanly possible to convince him his future belonged in Manchester. Unfortunately for us, it eventually did [with Manchester City]."

On his life-threatening brain haemorrhage in 2018

"My world came dangerously close to an end. On the day I was operated on at Salford Royal Hospital, four other patients underwent surgery for the exact same condition. Only two of us survived to tell the tale. The fact that fewer than half of us made it through that day shows just how many pieces of the puzzle must fall into place for a positive outcome.

"I didn't survive because of any VIP treatment; it was down to a series of fortunate events: having quick-thinking loved ones around me, getting immediate expert advice, the paramedics knowing exactly what to do, swift hospital scans, the surgical team operating without delay, and exceptional post-operative care. My thoughts remain with the families of those who weren't as lucky that day. I am blessed to still be here."

On his emotional return to Old Trafford after his recovery

"The second I stepped out of the car outside the ground, I felt the entire community wrap their arms around me. It was overwhelming and profoundly moving. It felt like returning to a familiar, deeply cherished sanctuary—an extraordinary sensation. It proved to me that I hadn't been forgotten, which I suspect is a lingering fear for many people in retirement. I know that sounds ridiculous when you have a stand named after you, a statue outside, and a street bearing your name. But when you are lying alone in a hospital bed, it is remarkably easy to feel as though the world has forgotten you ever existed."

On the loss of his wife, Lady Cathy

"The 2023 FA Cup final was an agonizing day for me. Even before the match kicked off, a dark cloud hung over it because of Cathy's failing health and the severe pain she was suffering at the time. After the final whistle, I drove straight back to Manchester from London, arriving late into the night. I simply couldn't bear spending the night away from her. Just over four months later, Cathy passed away. We honoured her life with a moving service at St Andrew's Cathedral in Glasgow. Our sons and older grandsons were pallbearers, and I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people from every chapter of our lives who came to pay their respects.

"It meant everything to me. Our growing family was there, as were friends, some of whom had known her for nearly seventy years. Many United staff members, numerous former players, and fellow managers attended as well. Our son Jason delivered a beautiful, articulate eulogy that captured the true essence of Cathy. Two days after she passed, her second great-grandchild was born in Aberdeen, a little girl named Isla Catherine. And two days after the funeral, another great-grandchild arrived in London—Archibald Alexander Sebastian. Cathy would have been walking on air."

On hoping to see Manchester United's new stadium built

"I am not someone who obsesses over what the Creator has planned for me, nor do I fear death. Mortality is always lingering, often when you least expect it. What matters far more to me is squeezing every last drop out of life. There is still so much I want to do and so many people I want to spend my days with.

"Even so, the thought does cross my mind from time to time. When United announced their ambitious plans for a state-of-the-art stadium to replace Old Trafford, I couldn't help wondering whether I would live to see its opening. I hope they break ground as soon as possible, because if construction takes five years, I'll be knocking on ninety's door. But one thing is certain: I will be there for the opening day—whether in person or in spirit."