Sir Alex Ferguson's answer damning for Ruben Amorim as he's asked about Man Utd return

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that there are times when he still wishes to be back in the Manchester United dugout. The iconic manager retired 12 years ago, yet his desire to lead the club remains.

Ferguson secured 13 Premier League crowns, five FA Cups and celebrated two Champions League victories, amongst other significant silverware, throughout his 26-year reign at Old Trafford. In 2013, he guided United to their most recent league title before drawing the curtain on his illustrious career. He would have likely always experienced moments when he desired to still be United boss. Nevertheless, the club's difficulties under Ruben Amorim and other United managers in the post-Ferguson era can only have intensified the Scotsman's occasional longing to be in charge at Old Trafford.

"People don't seem to realise, I've been retired 12 years, you know," Ferguson told the BBC after being asked if he was ever tempted to return to football management.

"I picked the right time - I thought, at the time. Sometimes you watch the games and you think, 'I wish I was back in there for five minutes.' You know what I mean, but it is what it is." He continued: "I had a great career. I was a manager for 39 years. From 32 years of age to 71."

During his spell at United, Ferguson claimed a remarkable 28 major honours, excluding the Community Shield. The club has found it challenging to replicate that success, with Amorim being the sixth permanent manager since Ferguson's retirement. Additionally, four coaches have served as caretaker or interim bosses during this period.

Amorim nearly clinched the Europa League title in his initial months at the helm, only to be defeated by Tottenham Hotspur in the final. The Red Devils had previously won the trophy under Jose Mourinho in 2017 and were runners-up under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer four years later, losing to Villarreal in a penalty shootout.

However, even if Amorim had secured the Europa League title and a Champions League spot, it would not have masked the club's poor league performance. United ended up 15th in the table, their lowest position since returning to the top-flight in 1975.

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Despite an investment of over £200million to bolster the squad in the summer transfer window, United have failed to meet expectations at the start of the new season. Amorim's side have earned just four points from four league matches and suffered a humiliating Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby.

While Ferguson may still yearn to influence United's fortunes from the dugout, the 83-year-old now has a new focus. He serves as an ambassador for the Playlist for Life charity, which advocates the positive impact that familiar music can have on individuals with dementia, a cause close to Ferguson's heart.

"I have a situation myself, with my brother [Martin]," he explained to BBC Sport. "It's not easy. I have to be in touch with him a lot. He recognises me [but] the memory's not great.

"But he's not bad. He's not getting any worse, let's put it that way, which is very encouraging."