Sir Alex Ferguson's last Press Conference – West Bromwich Albion

Sir Alex Ferguson held his last ever pre-match press conference this morning at United’s Carrington training ground. On an emotional morning, the manager was met with a standing ovation as he entered the room, highlighting just how much he is respected by everyone involved in football. A representative from the press then read out a speech in honour of Sir Alex, and they presented the manager with a bottle of his favourite red wine, a car, and a hairdryer! Sir Alex thanked the press for their kind words, and then joked, “Settle down, full deserved! You are all relieved, no more bans!”.

The manager then went on to speak about his last ever game on Sunday. He evoked just how much he wants to win it, even more than last Sunday. As for the team news, the manager confirmed that there are no more injuries, although he does want to give a few young players a chance. As a result he has confirmed that Johnny Evans and Phil Jones will start at centre back. Sir Alex also confirmed Anders Lindegaard will get a start as he had promised the goalkeeper he would get at least two starts before the end of the season. The manager then went on to speak about the amazing scenes he witnessed on Sunday and Monday, exclaiming they even beat 99. Finally, the boss reiterated that he will have plenty to do after retirement that will keep him busy.

The key quotes from the manager:

On the standing ovation and gifts from the press:

“Settle down, full deserved! Your relieved, no more bans!

“My last ever press conference, glad of that!

“No you’re not that bad! I have never held a grudge against anyone of you .I have acted on occasions, and then forgot about it. You all have difficult jobs in the modern environment, and I appreciate that.”

On Sunday’s match at West Brom:

“My last game and I will reach 1500 matches, quite incredible. It couldn’t be more difficult, West Brom have done fantastic. They are a strong side, and everyone wants to win their last home game. I really want to win this one as well, even more than last week!”

Injury News and the team selection:

“We don’t have any new injuries. I might make a few changes; one or two younger players may play. Anders will play; I promised him a while back he would play 2 of the remaining games.

“Jones Evans and Phil Jones will play at centre back together, they are the future.”

On Sunday and Monday’s parade:

“It’s been an amazing last week. I have been overwhelmed. Sunday was unbelievable and, as for the parade on Monday, I thought ’99 could not be beaten. But, this time, seeing all the people on the scaffolding was incredible. I think it was better than ’99. I didn’t expect this much fuss!”

Life after management:

“I haven’t thought about what life will be like after retirement. I’m driven to take on other challenges right away. I’ve got the LMA meeting on Monday and then I’m going to Newmarket for two days on Tuesday and Wednesday. I’ll go on holiday on 4 June and the Derby’s before that on 1 June. I’ll have my holidays for a month and then the operation and then the season will start. I’ll be alright.”

On memories and change over the 26 years:

“The memories over 26 years are all there. The day I came was a privilege, and the day I have left will be an honour. Everything here I have been proud off, not one single thing.

“Change has been inevitable. Big changes have happened in the number of staff, sport science, modern technology, the introduction of agents, and the press have changed. All these changes have been integrated into a long period of time. I don’t think I have changed much though!”

Overall, it was fantastic to see the manager get a standing ovation and receive a few gifts from the press. It highlights just how well-respected he is by everyone connected with football, despite him having quite a few run-ins with the press in the past! It was fascinating to see just how humble Sir Alex has been over the last week, and it was clear just how overwhelmed he was by the scenes during the parade on Monday. It was interesting to hear that the manager will play Evans and Jones on Sunday; but as always, the boss is looking to the future and promoting the clubs young players, just like he has done over the past 26 years.

It was also great to hear that Sir Alex has plenty to keep him occupied over the next few months, and I hope he enjoys every minute of his retirement. So the last press conference of the season has taken place, and next season we will see a different man answering the questions. It will be interesting to see if David Moyes can handle the press just as well as! Thanks for everything Sir Alex, it has been an honour.