Sir Alex Ferguson Reveals His Biggest Fear in Rare Interview
In a rare and candid interview, legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has opened up about his biggest fear as he navigates life in his eighties. The iconic Scot, who won 13 Premier League titles during his 27-year reign at Old Trafford, spoke with *BBC Breakfast* about how much he misses life at the club and his concerns for the future.
During his time at Manchester United, Ferguson lifted an astonishing array of trophies, including two Champions League titles, five FA Cups, and four League Cups. However, since stepping away from the Premier League spotlight in 2013, the former manager has focused on life beyond football. One major concern he shared is the looming threat of dementia, a condition that has affected many of his former players and colleagues.
“I’m 82, so obviously I worry about it,” Ferguson admitted. “Generally, my memory is quite good. Pray to the lord and touch wood it stays that way, but I worry about it, 100 per cent. I would be lying if I said anything different.”
Ferguson explained that he keeps his mind sharp by reading and regularly participating in quizzes. “I do quizzes a lot, and I think that helps. You have those YouTube quizzes, 100 questions, and I think if I don’t get to 70 per cent, I’m struggling.”
His fears are not unfounded. Many former footballers, including United legends Nobby Stiles, Sir Bobby Charlton, and Jack Charlton, were diagnosed with dementia before their deaths. Another United great, Denis Law, is currently battling Alzheimer’s. Ferguson himself suffered a serious health scare in 2018 when he underwent emergency surgery for a brain hemorrhage. Thankfully, he made a full recovery.
Ferguson also reflected on the emotional toll of losing his wife, Cathy, last October after a serious illness. Describing her as his “bedrock,” her passing has been a significant blow to his personal life, but Ferguson continues to find solace in attending Manchester United matches.
Reflecting on his retirement, Ferguson admitted that while he has adjusted to life away from the daily grind of management, there are aspects of the job he still misses. “I’ve been retired 11 years now, so you find a way of adjusting. Yeah, I miss it sometimes,” he said.
He recalled attending a European final in the first year of his retirement and telling Cathy, “This is what I miss—big games, the European games.” Since then, Ferguson has made it a point to attend European finals regularly, as they remind him of the high-stakes moments he loved during his career.
“These are the big events that United should always be involved in,” Ferguson added, reflecting on his continued connection to the club and the passion that still drives him to this day.
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