Oxlade-Chamberlain: It’s a shame to see ‘inspirational’ Ferguson retire

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says it is a “shame for football” that Sir Alex Ferguson has opted to call time on his career at Manchester United.

The Scot announced his decision to step down this week after 26 years in charge at Old Trafford and following the club’s 20th English league title triumph.

Ferguson, who has led United to 38 trophies during his stellar spell in charge at the club, will be replaced by David Moyes in the summer.

And Arsenal midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain believes that the Scot has been an “inspirational” figure for his players during his tenure at United.

“I think the main thing that always crops up [when we talk] is that he is such a winner,” Oxlade-Chamberlain told Arsenal Player.

“I know he’s hard on his players and he gets the best out of them, and I think you can see that with Manchester United being a top side for so long.

“From what I hear from the Man United boys, he’s hungrier than anyone and, even at his age, after winning so much he still wanted to win in recent years. That gets the best out of his players. They say he is a great man to work for so you can imagine he is a real inspiration.

“It’s a shame for football [that he’s retiring] because everyone knows Fergie is an amazing manager and he’s been at the top for so long. But at the same time I think he deserves a rest now, he’s definitely done his time!”