Fergie: Huge gaffe saying I would quit

SIR ALEX FERGUSON admitted he probably dropped the biggest clanger of his career before the start of this season.

Fergie’s revelation that it would be his last campaign at Manchester United before heading into retirement caused shockwaves at the club.

Then chief executive Peter Kenyon held talks with possible successors, with England boss Sven Goran Eriksson favourite to land the job ahead of Martin O’Neill, at Celtic.

Ferguson said: “I will be leaving Manchester United at the end of the season and that is it.

“Managing United has been the pinnacle of my career. There is a fantastic support here and great players, who should be proud of what they have achieved.

“But I am in a healthy position because my own health is good.”

The prospect of losing the boss seemed to distract many United players and the season was at risk of descending into the mediocre – a rare campaign when United ended trophyless.

Fergie later admitted his decision had been an “absolute disaster”.

After his change of heart, Ferguson revealed in his autobiography: “The notion of a retirement age is anathema to me. There should be a law against it.”