Sir Alex Ferguson has made a poignant admission about his own mortality, saying he hopes to live long enough to attend the opening of Manchester United’s proposed new stadium.
The 84-year-old former manager has been a familiar presence at Old Trafford since retiring in 2013, with a seat reserved for him in the directors’ box.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe called the idea of a new 100,000-seat ground a “no-brainer” in February 2024. Designs by architects Foster+Partners were unveiled the following year.
The club bought land near Old Trafford for £63.5million last summer, but an original target of moving into the stadium in 2030 has been scrapped, with no new date announced.
United hope the venue could host matches during the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
And Ferguson hopes he'll be able to witness the grand new era in all its glory.
In his new book, Games of My Life, the 13-time Premier League-winning manager reflects on the prospect of the club leaving its historic home for a new-build stadium.
“I found myself wondering whether I would be around to celebrate its opening," he said.
"I hope they get to break ground quickly, because if it takes five years to complete, I’ll be pushing ninety.
"However, I know I’ll be at the ceremony one way or another – in person or in spirit."
The remark comes after a series of health scares for the United legend.
Ferguson suffered a brain haemorrhage in May 2018 and was taken to hospital after arriving at Old Trafford for United’s match against Liverpool in May this year, following a heart issue.
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He also attended United’s first home game of the season against Ipswich Town in August with his left foot in a protective boot, having injured his Achilles.
Ferguson’s connection with Old Trafford stretches back more than four decades.
He first visited in 1984 to watch Celtic face Rapid Vienna in a European Cup Winners’ Cup replay, which was moved to Manchester after crowd trouble at Celtic Park.
Appointed United manager in 1986, he took charge of 724 matches at the stadium.
One notable absence came in December 1998, when he missed a defeat to Middlesbrough to attend a funeral in Scotland.
The club has honoured his remarkable tenure in several ways.
Old Trafford’s North Stand was renamed the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand in November 2011, marking his 25th anniversary as manager.
A statue of Ferguson was unveiled outside it a year later, and a nearby road was renamed Sir Alex Ferguson Way in 2013.
United’s proposed move would mark the end of an era for the club’s home, which has been its stadium for 116 years.
Michael Carrick is currently the manager of the Red Devils, who are due to face Tottenham on Saturday night (5.30pm).
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