Sir Alex Ferguson reveals the real reason he quit Man Utd after 27 years

Sir Alex Ferguson spent 27 years as Manchester United manager before retiring at the end of the 2012/13 season, and the legendary boss has now opened up on his decision

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he retired from Manchester United to spend more time with his grieving wife Cathy, following the death of her sister. The Scot stepped down from his post at Old Trafford after 27 years of management in 2013.

Ferguson, 82, established the Red Devils as one of the most dominant forces in world football, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and many other trophies. His decision came 13 years after he first announced he would depart football, only to change his mind a matter of months later.

While it was assumed he was leaving football because he was 71, Ferguson recently admitted this wasn't the only reason. The Glaswegian reflected on his final months at the club and explained what went through his mind with Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist.

He said on McCoist's podcast, Ally's Social Club: "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. When I said I was going to retire, she was delighted and I knew that. I could tell by her body language."

Despite not having his strongest squad in the final season, United still finished a comfortable 11 points clear of local rivals Manchester City, reports the Mirror.

Reflecting on his ultimate victory, Sir Alex remarked: "I always said when I got to January – 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."

He added with satisfaction: "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."

Although he would stay on with United as a global ambassador and club director, his journey with the organisation will end after this season. This move comes amidst cost-reduction strategies seen at United which have led to 250 layoffs already.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils face challenges on the field, entering the international break after their poorest season start since 1989.