Alex Ferguson’s future as Manchester United manager was shrouded in doubt on Tuesday evening, with sources claiming that there would be a statement about his position and that the squad had been told to expect an announcement.

Some of the United squad were at a golf day on Tuesday at Dunham Massey, where they played against members of the coaching staff and were told to prepare to receive news regarding their manager.

United’s press department could not be reached to confirm or deny the story.

Since leading United to a 20th championship and the 13th of his 27-year reign at the club, the 71-year-old has offered no hint that he may end his tenure. However, after he announced his retirement at the end of the 2001-02 season, months ahead of the close of that campaign, the team's form suffered drastically. He performed a U-turn later that year and vowed any future decision on his role would be announced at short notice.

United had earlier confirmed reports that Ferguson is booked in for hip surgery immediately after the club return from their three-week pre-season tour at the end of July. That Ferguson will have his summer break and then travel to Thailand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong before the operation suggested he was not going to be on the sidelines for too long.

However, United must face either Manchester City or Wigan in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 11th, with their title defence due to begin the following weekend.

Guardian Service