Sir Alex Ferguson made three predictions surrounding the future of Manchester United when he retired 10 years ago today.
The United boss brought to an end a historic 26-year reign that saw him win 38 trophies with the club - but he had to rush to tell his players about his decision.
Speaking on the club's official podcast, United legend Patrice Evra explained: "We arrived [at Carrington] and people said, 'Guys, you have to stay in the dressing room because the boss wants to have a chat'. And when the boss came into the dressing room to talk to everyone, it's never good news.
Advert
"He came, and he said, 'I'm really sorry. Some people have said that I'm going to retire even before I say it myself. That's why you saw all those cameras. But I will retire because my wife needs me'."
On the day of the announcement, Ferguson gave his thoughts on what the future direction of the club could look like.
Sir Alex Ferguson's three Man Utd predictions
Ferguson said (quotes via BBC Sport): "It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so.
Advert
"The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one."
United were unable to maintain continued success following the Scot's departure, and are still yet to win a Premier League title since Ferguson lifted his last one in 2013.
In the first season after his retirement, the club struggled under his successor David Moyes, who was sacked towards the end of the campaign with United scrambling to secure European qualification.
They failed to do so, and a number of experienced players, including Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Evra left in the summer of 2014.
Advert
Nani and Robin van Persie followed them out of Old Trafford a year later, with Louis van Gaal being tasked with something of a rebuild job when he took the manager's job in 2014 - although that yielded mixed results.
One of Van Gaal's greatest achievements, however, was in bringing through United's next generation, with Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard among those given opportunities to impress.
But apart from Rashford, academy graduates who have gone on to achieve sustained success at Old Trafford in the past 10 years have been few and far between - which goes against Ferguson's prediction.
One player who did come through the academy prior to Ferguson's departure was Danny Welbeck. But he was sold to Arsenal in 2014 - then dumped his former club out of the FA Cup by scoring in a 2-1 quarter-final win.
Advert
There are signs of the pathway being restored under Erik ten Hag, with Alejandro Garnacho impressing this season and the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Zidane Iqbal showing potential that they can succeed at United.
Topics: Premier League, Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United