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Alex Ferguson could miss the start of next season as he is to undergo a hip operation, sources at Manchester United have confirmed.
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The 71-year-old manager is booked in for surgery immediately after the club return from a three-week pre-season tour at the end of July.
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Ferguson will take his summer break before travelling with his players to Thailand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong before the operation.
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United will face either Manchester City or Wigan in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 11, with their title defence due to begin the following weekend.
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No timescale is being put on Ferguson's likely absence but it would require a rapid recovery from the 71-year-old in order for him to be back in charge by then.
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Ferguson has always said his health would dictate how long he would carry on as United manager.
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He was taken ill at a function in Sotland almost 12 months ago, although his nosebleeds were put down to the amount of short flights he had undertaken.
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Ferguson subsequently missed pre-season matches in Norway and Germany and also sat out a mid- winter break in Qatar.
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Other than that though he has remained in good health and has been further boosted by his side again winning the Premier League title in convincing style.