Sir Alex Ferguson is to have hip surgery this summer – and could miss the start of the new season.
The Manchester United boss, 71, has been troubled by a hip problem for some time and will go under the knife before the Premier League campaign kicks off. But with only 18 days between United returning from their pre-season tour and the opening day of the league season, Fergie has left himself battling to be fit in time.
And senior United sources say they would be “amazed” if Ferguson – who could need a walking stick to aid his recovery – is in the dug-out for the start of next term in August.
Ferguson has planned the operation so he does not miss United’s three-week pre-season tour of Thailand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong this summer.
United last night confirmed Ferguson is to have an operation, but stressed it will have no impact on his future at the club.
United do not return from their pre-season tour until July 30 and play Manchester City or Wigan in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 11.
With Ferguson set for surgery in early August, that leaves little time for him to make a full recovery and be back in the dugout for that game.
[UK Mirror]
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