TheSportsCampus

Wigan chairman and close friend of Sir Alex Ferguson, Dave Whelan announced last week that the iconic Manchester United manager would draw the curtains on his illustrious career at the end of the next season, following health concerns. However, American broadcaster Charlie Stillitano who is another close ally of the Scot has come forward to rubbish these rumours and claimed that Ferguson would around for a long time to come.

The Red Devils’ boss suffered a severe nosebleed and had to be hospitalized last week as he was in ‘tremendous pain’. Following the incident, Whelan told the media on Friday, “After next season, Sir Alex will call it a day because he had a little scare.” However, Stillitano has claimed that Ferguson is on the road to recovery and the thought of retirement is not on his mind right now.

Stillitano, who will interview Ferguson on Sirius XM’s The Football Show this week, had this to say, “He [Ferguson] was laughing when I spoke to him on Friday and I said, ‘Are you going to retire?’ and he said, ‘No, nothing has changed’.” Speaking of his own viewpoint, he added, “If you keep doing your profession at the top, you stay sharp and that is what Sir Alex is thinking. He doesn't want to step down. Dave Whelan’s comments are reasonable. He knows Sir Alex and everyone realises that, at 70, you have to start thinking about retirement, but maybe not [in this case].”

When asked about the incident, Stillitano explained, “He basically had a nosebleed which wouldn’t stop and he was in pain. It can’t be pleasant when you’re 70 years old and you are bleeding uncontrollably — thoughts must enter everyone’s head. But I have been speaking to him every day and he has been getting better. He sounded terrific when I spoke to him on Friday.”

United fans will be overjoyed at this news as they would love to see their highly successful manager continue at the helm for as long as possible. Ferguson has won 12 out of United’s haul of 19 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles and a host of other trophies.  The fiery Scot is bound to make a decision sometime in the near future though but as long as his health keeps up, he should be around to give opponents and referees a nightmare. The longevity of his era at Old Trafford continues to astound people all over the world as he has been in charge of the Red Devils for over 25 years.

Ferguson lives for challenges and the one being currently offered by United’s local rivals might yet prove to be the toughest. Manchester City’s dramatic title victory is sure to have hurt Sir Alex and the much celebrated United boss will not want to end his career at a time when neighbouring rivals City have gained prominence in the League, thus threatening to end United’s reign.

File Photograph·Copyright:·Austin Osuide