Rio Ferdinand has theory on why Sir Alex Ferguson announced Man United retirement in 2002

Sir Alex Ferguson shocked fans when he said he was going to retire in 2002, but the legendary Manchester United boss would perform a shock U-turn on his decision

Rio Ferdinand admitted he was suspicious when Sir Alex Ferguson dropped his first retirement bombshell as Manchester United manager. 

The legendary Scotsman walked away from Old Trafford in 2013 after 27 years of managing the club. However, 11 years before his emotional exit, Ferguson shocked the world when he said he was going to leave Old Trafford and walk away from football altogether.

At the time, his contract was due to expire in 2002, and while Ferguson said he was walking away due to concerns with his age and health, various reports cited a rift between him and the United board. As United fans prepared themselves for life without the ex-Aberdeen boss, Ferdinand admitted he was not convinced that Ferguson really wanted to leave.