Carrick reveals how Sir Alex told players he was retiring

Joe Williams

Michael Carrick has given a revealing insight into the conversation Sir Alex Ferguson had with his Manchester United players before announcing his retirement from management.

In May 2013, Ferguson officially retired from management and ended his 26 years at Old Trafford, however it was a decision that had been made privately in December 2012.

He wanted to spend more time with his wife Cathy following the loss of her twin sister Bridget but the news of his impending retirement was somehow leaked before he could officially announce it.

That meant that he was forced to tell the players ahead of schedule and Carrick has lifted the lid on Ferguson’s reaction to breaking the news.

‘I took in every detail. The boss began speaking and became quite emotional,’ Carrick wrote in his new autobiography Between the Lines.

“Look, boys, I didn’t want to do it this way. I wanted you to be the first to know. I’m really disappointed how it’s come out.

“I really did want to be telling you first, but I’ve been forced to tell you now because it’s come out last night. Someone’s leaked it.”

‘He was fuming about that. There couldn’t have been many people who knew.

‘Sir Alex went on, “Look, boys, this is not something I’ve taken lightly.”

‘He mentioned Lady Cathy’s sister passing away. “I feel that I owe it to my wife to be with her and look after her. It’s been unbelievable and thanks for everything, I’ve loved every minute. I don’t really want to go, but I’ve got to take this decision.”

‘You could see it was hard for him to finally say, ‘This is it, boys.'”