MANCHESTER UNITED were last night engulfed in a frenzy of speculation about Alex Ferguson’s future.
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| Sir Alex Ferguson |
And Everton boss David Moyes was rapidly installed as favourite to succeed Fergie, becoming 11-10 ON to take over the Old Trafford hotseat.
There were even unconfirmed reports that United’s stars had been warned to expect a “major statement” imminently.
Social media sites were awash with rumours that Fergie will step aside after Sunday’s home match against Swansea, when his beloved United will be presented with the Premier League crown — their 20th top-flight title and 13th under the Scot.
News that Fergie, 71, will have a hip operation during the summer — coupled with Moyes’ reluctance to sign a new deal at Goodison Park — combined to feed the mania about his future.
A Paddy Power spokesman said: “2013 looks increasingly likely to be the last in the glorious career of Sir Alex — and Moyes is the man punters want to back.”
Stan James offered 66-1 for Fergie to go before the end of THIS season — but punters could place just 3p at that price.
In public, Ferguson has been adamant he has no thoughts of leaving the job where he has established himself as the greatest manager of all time.
After winning United’s 20th title this season he remarked how he felt “10 years younger”.
He always wanted to beat Liverpool’s record of 18 titles, which he did two season’s ago with a 19th.
Any thoughts of quitting last summer were dispelled after Manchester City nicked the Premier League crown from him on the final day.
Ferguson has always aimed to go out on a high and this could be it.
The 20th crown came in some style, wiping the challenge of City away and claiming the trophy with four games to go.
Ferguson originally announced his retirement back in 2001 but changed his mind in February 2002.
