Sir Alex Ferguson announces retirement from Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed press reports that he will retire as manager of Manchester United later this month.

The 71-year-old Scotsman is the most successful football manager in the UK having spent 26 years in charge.

In a statement this morning, Ferguson said: “The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about. It is the right time.

“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.”

During his time he has won 13 league titles, 5 FA Cup and 2 Champion League titles among the other tournaments over the past 26 years. He will now become a director and ambassador at Manchester United.

Speculation has begun as to his replacement with Jose Mourinho and David Moyes high on the list to succeed Ferguson.