Manchester United today announced they will retain the services of Sir Alex Ferguson after all when he retires as manager in May 2002.
Ferguson has signed a five-year deal to act as a consultant at the club. In a statement, the club said his future role will entail:
- representing the club at meetings of the domestic and international football authorities;
- supporting the development of United's overseas activities and the growth of its global fan-base;
- promoting the interests of the club and its commercial partners and affiliates;
- attending charitable, supporters' and sponsors' functions.
News of the deal ends speculation suggesting Ferguson would manage another club. It also apparently heals the rift that appeared to have developed two months ago when the club reportedly offered their most successful manager a similar role - but at a salary that Ferguson considered derisory.