Sir Alex Ferguson to retire!!!
British football's most successful manager is stepping down after 26 years in charge to become club director and ambassador.
The Scot, 71, has won 38 trophies during his reign at Old Trafford. His haul includes 13 league titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
Ferguson is the most successful manager in the history of the British game and famously won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999.
"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about. It is the right time," Ferguson said.
"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."
Ferguson praised the people he felt helped him build the club from a team that had not won a title for 26 years into one of the biggest in the world.
"I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential," he added. "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."
Former Manchester United and England striker Michael Owen says the Scot's managerial record will "surely never be eclipsed"
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Former Manchester United chairman Martin Edwards, who hired Sir Alex Ferguson, told Sky Sports News: "The thing that attracted us was his success in Europe.
"By 1990 we hadn't won anything and we'd bought a lot of players. But we knew how hard Alex was working, particularly at the youth level. We felt that given the time it would come right. It was just a question of whether the supporters would give us the time. Fortunately the success in 1990 [winning the FA Cup] revived everything. It saved us really.
Co-chairman Joel Glazer highlighted Ferguson's desire to produce winning teams throughout his time at United and called the 2008 Champions League victory over Chelsea in Moscow a "magical night".
He 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."
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