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18th Sep 2015

Alex Ferguson reveals the real reason he left Manchester United

Patrick McCarry

Alex Ferguson has been opening more lids on his life at Old Trafford.

The former Manchester United boss is releasing another book and he has revealed further details to his confidante, Paul Hayward.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Ferguson says a family bereavement eventually made his mind up. His wife Cathy’s sister, Bridget, passed away in 2012 and left Ferguson with a decision to make.

He comments, “I saw Cathy was watching television one night, and she looked up at the ceiling. I knew she was isolated. Her and Bridget were twins, you know?”

Manchester United v Everton - Premier League

Ferguson reveals details about his management style in his upcoming book, Leading, and, in his interview, touches on his reputation for backing youth.

He says, “I was never afraid to try things. I was always prepared to risk in terms of winning a game of football.

“Also, my convictions about young people were always there. I really believe in young people. I’ve always believed in that, producing the young players I did at Aberdeen or St Mirren.

“Then to Manchester United, where I tried to create what I saw laid down by Matt Busby way back in the 1950s; because that, without doubt, is a true reflection of Manchester United – how it’s developed young players for half a century.”