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Sir Alex Ferguson made a career of creating memorable moments in post match interviews, but he made sure he didn’t have to go it again following Manchester United‘s FA Cup victory.
The legendary United boss was in attendance at Wembley to see his former club upset the odds and defeat rivals Manchester City to land the famous trophy.
First half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were enough for Erik ten Hag‘s men to record a famous victory, despite a late comeback from City that saw Jeremy Doku net a consolation goal.
The win means the Red Devils have secured European football for next season and was their 13th FA Cup win – one behind Arsenal‘s all-time record.
Ferguson was responsible for five of those victories, and following the triumph over City was again approached by journalists in the mixed zone for an interview on the game.
Yet, having stepped down as United boss in 2013, the Scot no longer has to deal with such compulsories and declined the request.
He amusingly told reporters, ‘I’m retired, did you not know that’, before walking straight past the slew of reporters looking to grab a word with the club icon.
The FA Cup holds a special place in the heart of the 82-year-old, as it was the first trophy that he won as Manchester United manager.
The 1990 victory over Crystal Palace – via a replay – is seen as the moment that saved Ferguson’s job, with pressure mounting on the manager at the time having failed to deliver success at Old Trafford.
Following that win, he’d go on to win four more FA Cups, as well as thirteen league titles – including the club’s first in twenty-five years – among two decades of dominance.
The pressure on Ferguson isn’t unlike the speculation surrounding current boss Erik ten Hag and his future in the job.
Reports indicated last week that the Dutchman would be replaced by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe whatever the outcome in Saturday’s showpiece.
There has even been some suggestions that the board have had discussions with Kieran McKenna and Thomas Tuchel over taking the United job.
The club have also been linked with England boss Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi and the newly-available Mauricio Pochettino.