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The Shocking Resignation That Never Was
In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the football community, it has come to light that Sir Alex Ferguson, the iconic Manchester United manager, nearly parted ways with the club in 1998. The bombshell disclosure was made during the filming of Manchester United‘s new Amazon Prime documentary ’99’, which details the club’s historic Treble-winning season.
Boardroom Frictions and a Resignation Letter
Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure at Old Trafford was not without its tensions, as the Scotsman found himself at odds with the club’s hierarchy. Former chairman Martin Edwards shared the details of Ferguson’s frustration, which stemmed from the club’s management questioning his focus due to his growing celebrity status and outside interests. This led Ferguson to tender his resignation on the eve of the 1998-99 season, a decision that was accepted but quickly retracted by the legendary boss.
Gary Neville’s Astonishment
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, who was part of the squad during that period, expressed his disbelief upon learning of the incident during the documentary’s filming. Neville, who had no knowledge of the resignation at the time due to Ferguson’s swift reversal, was stunned by the notion of confronting the formidable manager over such a matter.
Triumph Amidst Turmoil
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Manchester United went on to achieve one of the most remarkable feats in football history by securing the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season. Sir Alex Ferguson’s leadership was instrumental in this success, and his decision to stay ultimately shaped the future of the club.
A Legacy Cemented
Ferguson’s reign at Manchester United continued until his retirement in 2013, a full 15 years after the near-departure that could have altered the course of English football. He left behind a legacy that includes 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, five FA Cups, and four League Cups, securing his status as one of the most successful managers in the sport’s history.
