Sir Alex Ferguson, 82, speaks on 'missing' Man United and management in rare interview... as he...

Sir Alex Ferguson shared that he longs for his days as a football manager during his first in-depth interview in many years.

The legendary manager, who is now 82, stepped away from his role at the conclusion of the 2012-13 season. He had just guided Manchester United to their 13th Premier League championship, marking his 27th year with the team.

Since he left, United has faced challenges in finding success, while Manchester City has been at the forefront for most of the past ten years.

In his first significant interview in several years, Ferguson shared his thoughts with BBC Breakfast about what life has been like after retiring.

When inquired about his life, he replied, "It's going well! I've been retired for 11 years, so I've learned to adapt."

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has confessed that he longs for the days when he was a manager.

Ferguson stepped down after clinching his 13th Premier League championship in the 2012-13 season.

Ferguson continues to go to Manchester United matches and has been spotted at several European finals as well. He mentioned that these finals are "matches he can connect with."

Ferguson mentioned that he's been staying out of trouble, and when questioned about whether he misses being a manager, he replied, "Yes, I do miss it at times."

In my first year after retiring, I attended the European final and turned to Cathy, saying, "This is what I really miss," referring to those high-stakes matches and the excitement of European competitions.

I attended many of the European finals because I discovered a connection to them; it was an experience I wish I could enjoy every single day.

"These are the major events that Manchester United should consistently participate in."

Even though the Red Devils haven't made it to the Champions League finals in the past ten years, Ferguson has still been spotted at those events.

While he was manager at Old Trafford, Manchester United secured the Champions League title twice, first as part of their legendary Treble in 1999 and then again in 2008.

United made it to the finals in both 2009 and 2011, but unfortunately lost to the iconic Barcelona team led by Pep Guardiola in each match.

Even today, Ferguson frequently goes to Manchester United matches, whether they're at home or away. Since 2011, a stand at Old Trafford has been named in his honor.

There is also a statue of him located outside the stadium, which was revealed by his late wife, Cathy.

Cathy, whom Sir Alex referred to as his 'foundation,' passed away at the age of 84 last October.

Opening up about his experience since Cathy passed away, Ferguson shared, "You know, 58 years is a significant stretch of time. She was an incredible wife, an amazing mother, and a wonderful grandmother."

"There was no question that she was in charge of the band."

Sir Alex was seen with his wife, Lady Cathy Ferguson, at Old Trafford in November 2012.

Many consider Ferguson to be the best manager in history due to his remarkable achievements.

In 2018, Sir Alex experienced a brain hemorrhage, prompting him to have an emergency surgery that went well at Salford Royal Hospital.

Ferguson also appeared on BBC Breakfast for National Playlist Day, an event dedicated to honoring the impact of personalized music playlists for individuals with dementia.

He spoke about his worry of losing his memory, especially after seeing legendary footballers like Bobby Charlton and Denis Law struggle with the same degenerative illness.

Manchester United icon Charlton passed away at the age of 86 last October after struggling with dementia, while Law, now 84, is dealing with Alzheimer's disease.

When talking about himself, Ferguson shared, "I'm 82 years old, and understandably, I have concerns about it. Honestly, my memory is pretty sharp—thankfully, and with a bit of luck—but I can't be sure how long it will remain like this."

However, I can't help but be concerned about it—I’m completely certain of that. I wouldn't be truthful if I said I was feeling any differently.

He mentioned, "I read extensively and enjoy doing quizzes, which I believe contributes to my knowledge. There are YouTube quizzes featuring 100 questions, and if I can't score at least 70 percent, I feel like I'm not doing well."

Since leaving, Ferguson has observed as Pep Guardiola's Manchester City has risen to dominate the top position.

Ferguson dedicated 27 years to Old Trafford after having coached various teams in Scotland, such as Aberdeen, St Mirren, and the national squad.

To this day, United has faced challenges in finding a suitable successor to Ferguson. Since his departure, the club has seen a series of managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Ralf Rangnick, all come and go.

Erik ten Hag narrowly held onto his position due to the victory in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. However, he still faces significant pressure as the new owners, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, are eager to revitalize the team and return Manchester United to its former glory.