[bbfan1991]

So gutted that it has been confirmed about SAF retiring. What a man and Manager he is/was.

The last two games of the season are going to be so emotional now, but a new era is going to begin soon.

[Drew.]

the game on Sunday is going to feel so odd.. will be an emotional one, expect tears after the game from the fans and maybe even the man himself

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex retires

• Thirteenth league title in 26 years will be his last
• Most successful manager in English football history to become a director of Manchester United FC

NYSE: MANU. Manchester, UK. Sir Alex Ferguson will retire at the end of the season, Manchester United announced today.

The most successful manager in English football history will bow out after the West Bromwich Albion game on 19 May and join the football club board.

Announcing his decision to retire, Sir Alex Ferguson said:

“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time.

“It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so. 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.

“Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world.

“Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both Director and Ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.

“I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential. My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.

“As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.

“In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.

“Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy Chief Executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.

“To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United.”

Joel Glazer said:

“Alex has proven time and time again what a fantastic manager he is but he’s also a wonderful person. His determination to succeed and dedication to the Club have been truly remarkable. I will always cherish the wonderful memories he has given us, like that magical night in Moscow."

Avie Glazer said: “I am delighted to announce that Alex has agreed to stay with the Club as a director. His contributions to Manchester United over the last 26 years have been extraordinary and, like all United fans, I want him to be a part of its future.”

David Gill said:

“I’ve had the tremendous pleasure of working very closely with Alex for 16 unforgettable years – through the Treble, the double, countless trophy wins and numerous signings.

“We knew that his retirement would come one day and we both have been planning for it by ensuring the quality of the squad and club structures are in first class condition.

“Alex’s vision, energy and ability have built teams – both on and off the pitch – that his successor can count on as among the best and most loyal in world sport.

“The way he cares for this club, his staff and for the football family in general is something that I admire. It is a side to him that is often hidden from public view but it is something that I have been privileged to witness in the last 16 years.

“What he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be forgotten. It has been the greatest experience of my working life being alongside Alex and a great honour to be able to call him a friend

.”

[bbfan1991]

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by Drew.

the game on Sunday is going to feel so odd.. will be an emotional one, expect tears after the game from the fans and maybe even the man himself

I know, plus I think some of his old players will return to pay tribute.

[Drew.]

all his past players and even players not part of the club will want to be there.. will be a massive occasion at OT on Sunday, im glad its on sky

[bbfan1991]

I would prefer Jose to replace him, if it is true that his Chelsea deal has stalled but perhaps he caught wind about what was going to happen and he is pals with SAF?

If it is Moyes instead who gets the job, we will have to support him even if he isn't our particular choice.

[bbfan1991]

It has not really sunk in yet.

[bbfan1991]

SSN reckon that United will announce the replacement in the next 48 hours.

[Drew.]

yeah United will have gone about this smartly, they'll have someone lined up already.. should be very very interesting..

[Brother Leon]

I just feel dead. Sunday will be way too emotional.

[bbfan1991]

[Ryan57]

Please be Jose or Klopp.

[Drew.]

looking more and more likely to be Moyes

[bbfan1991]

[Ryan57]

Great picture that.

If Moyes is the choice then that's just ridiculous. Probably go and bring back Gibson for our midfield.

[bbfan1991]

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...-ferguson.aspx

[bbfan1991]

[Drew.]

Stan Collymore ‏@StanCollymore 1m
BREAKING.Negotiations between new MUFC manager and their club to end contract "amicably" and "imminently".

[Drew.]

Moyes will be out of contract at the end of the season anyway so i dont know why they'd need to end his contract immediately.. this leads back to Mourinho. So hard to predict who it will be

[Ryan57]

Originally Posted by Drew.

Stan Collymore ‏@StanCollymore 1m
BREAKING.Negotiations between new MUFC manager and their club to end contract "amicably" and "imminently".

Don't see this tweet, Drew.

[Drew.]

on his tweets click "all"

[Ryan57]

Originally Posted by Drew.

on his tweets click "all"

Ahh.

[bbfan1991]

Revealed: How tearful Sir Alex Ferguson broke the news of his retirement to players & staff

The Scot held a meeting with the first-team squad on Wednesday morning before choking up as he addressed the entire staff at the club's Carrington training centre.

Sir Alex Ferguson broke down in tears during an emotional goodbye to Manchester United staff this morning following the announcement of his decision to retire, Goal.com can reveal.

The Scot will step down as United manager at the end of the season following 26 years at Old Trafford during which he won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles.

Ferguson arrived at the club’s Carrington training base at 6.50am this morning and made a series of phonecalls amid intense speculation that he was set to quit.

Once the entire first-team squad had arrived for training, Ferguson held an eight-minute meeting with the players and senior staff during where he informed them of his decision.

Sources say the players were "quiet and shocked" as they left the meeting, with some clearly emotional. Ferguson was the last man out of the room and was seen supportively patting assistant manager Mike Phelan on the back.

At 9.20am, around the same time that United made an official announcement on their website, Ferguson went to the main dining hall at Carrington to address the entire staff, from the tea ladies to the coaches.

The atmosphere was described as "pensive" and "sombre". By then, everyone knew what was going on.

During a speech that lasted between eight and 10 minutes, Ferguson choked up and became tearful as he thanked them for their support over the years and spoke of the wonderful support within the "United family".

Ferguson became particularly emotional as he revealed that some people present - particularly technical staff - may lose their jobs as a consequence of his retirement.

After he finished talking, Ferguson received a standing ovation as he shuffled out of the room, still clearly emotional as he brings an end to an extraordinary career at United since he took over from Ron Atkinson in November 1986.

He was scheduled to hold a one-on-one sit-down interview with the club’s in-house television station, MUTV, at 10.30am and it was unclear whether he still intends to join the United players at Chester races later today.

[bbfan1991]

Everton inisist that United have not contacted them over Moyes. I suspect they are lying.

SSN just showed the players leaving Carrington on the coach on the way to the golf and SAF is not on there.