When you think of football managers who defined an era, Sir Alex Ferguson sits in a league of his own. From his explosive relationship with Roy Keane to his father-like bond with Cristiano Ronaldo, his 26 years at Manchester United produced drama, trophies, and endless debate about his place in history. This article cuts through the noise to answer the questions fans still ask — his wealth, his retirement, his rivalry with Pep Guardiola, and what he’s doing now.
Born: 31 December 1941 · Manchester United tenure: 1986–2013 · Premier League titles: 13 · Champions League titles: 2 · Total trophies: 38 · Estimated net worth: £70 million
Quick snapshot
- Retirement announced: 8 May 2013
- 13 Premier League titles
- 2 Champions League titles
- 38 total trophies
- Exact net worth figure (varies by source)
- Whether he still receives a full-time salary from Manchester United
- Full details of his relationship with Roy Keane
- 1978–1986: Managed Aberdeen
- 6 Nov 1986: Appointed Manchester United manager
- 1999: Treble — Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League
- 8 May 2013: Announced retirement
- 19 May 2013: Final match
- Continues as director and global ambassador at Manchester United
- Maintains public presence through book releases and speaking engagements
What is Alex Ferguson doing now?
Estimates place Sir Alex Ferguson’s net worth at roughly £70 million, accumulated through his Manchester United salary, ambassadorial roles, book deals, and speaking engagements. What’s clearer is his earning power after retirement: he continues to draw a salary as a director and global ambassador for Manchester United, a role confirmed by BBC Sport. For fans curious about his “fortune,” the real story is how a working-class Glaswegian turned success on the pitch into a post-retirement career that keeps him among football’s wealthiest figures.
For Manchester United, Ferguson’s ongoing presence is both a blessing and a weight. His final match was played on 19 May 2013 (MUFCInfo (Manchester United fan database)). The decision surprised football, but Ferguson described it as his own timing — wanting to leave at the top after winning the 2012–13 Premier League title.
Who is better, Pep or Ferguson?
The debate over whether Pep Guardiola or Sir Alex Ferguson is the greater manager is a fixture in football discourse. Ferguson won more league titles overall — 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United — while Guardiola has a higher win percentage across his career. In direct matches as of 2025, Ferguson won 3 and Guardiola won 3, making their head-to-head a dead heat. The debate remains subjective, often split by era and league dominance.
Guardiola’s Manchester City contract was reported to be worth £15 million per year in the cited deal period, and his reported net worth is around £100 million. Ferguson’s estimated net worth of £70 million reflects his longer but lower-paying tenure in a different financial era of football.
Ferguson built a dynasty; Guardiola has built winning machines. One was a manager who could change his team every season, while the other perfected a system. For club owners, the takeaway is this: you can have 13 titles over 20 years, or 3 Champions Leagues in a decade — but you rarely get both from the same man.
Did Ronaldo like Alex Ferguson?
Cristiano Ronaldo has called Ferguson “like a father” on multiple occasions (Goal). In 2020, Ronaldo said: “He is a legend, he was like a father to me. He taught me everything.” The bond began when Ferguson signed the teenage Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 and nurtured him into one of the world’s best players. Even after Ronaldo’s departure to Real Madrid in 2009, Ferguson remained a mentor figure. Roy Keane’s relationship with Ferguson was more combative, marked by public disagreements and a dramatic exit from the club, yet Keane has acknowledged Ferguson’s genius while criticizing his man-management style.
Timeline of Sir Alex Ferguson’s career
- 31 Dec 1941: Born in Govan, Glasgow (Wikipedia)
- 1978–1986: Managed Aberdeen, winning 3 Scottish Premier Division titles and the 1983 European Cup Winners’ Cup
- 6 Nov 1986: Appointed manager of Manchester United (MUFCInfo)
- 1999: Treble — Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League
- 8 May 2013: Announced retirement as Manchester United manager (The National)
- 19 May 2013: Final match as manager
Key facts about Sir Alex Ferguson
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | |
| Premier League titles | 13 |
| Champions League titles | 2 |
| FA Cups | 5 |
| Total trophies | 38 |
| Knighted | 1999 by Queen Elizabeth II |
Quotes from players
“He was like a father to me. He taught me everything.”
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businessplus.ie, bbc.com, thesun.co.uk, celebritynetworth.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, unitedhistory.co.uk, ibtimes.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Alex Ferguson still alive?
Yes, Sir Alex Ferguson is alive as of 2025.
How old is Alex Ferguson?
Born on 31 December 1941, he turned 83 in December 2024 (Wikipedia).
How many Premier League titles did Ferguson win?
13 Premier League titles with Manchester United (BBC Sport).
When was Alex Ferguson knighted?
He was knighted in 1999 by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to football (BBC Sport).
Is Alex Ferguson still paid by Manchester United?
Yes, he continues to serve as a director and global ambassador, with a salary confirmed by BBC Sport.
What did Roy Keane say about Alex Ferguson?
Keane has been critical of Ferguson’s man-management style, though he has acknowledged his managerial genius.
Summary
For Manchester United, the Ferguson era ended a decade ago, but its gravitational pull remains. His estimated £70 million net worth, his 38 trophies, and his complex relationships with players like Ronaldo and Keane all contribute to a legacy that continues to shape football debates. Whether measured by titles or influence, Ferguson’s mark on the game is undeniable, and his ongoing ambassadorial role at Old Trafford ensures his presence is still felt.
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Craig Newton is Senior Reporter at ScopePress.uk, covering breaking technology news and consumer tech stories across the UK.