Britain's most successful football manager calls it a day: Sir Alex Ferguson RETIRES after 27 years at Manchester United

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson today announced that he will retire from the club at the end of the season after 27 years in charge.

The 71-year-old clinched his 13th Premier League title with the club last month, but that will be his last hurrah as manager of the Old Trafford club.

Speculation had been rife that the fiery Scotsman would end his long tenure at the club, but Manchester United chiefs had refused to comment.

Sir Alex said in a statement that it was important to him to leave the club in the 'strongest possible shape.'

He 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.'

Sir Alex will remain part of the set up at Old Trafford despite stepping back from on the field matters.

He will take up a role as director and ambassador for the club when he retires after Manchester United's game with West Brom on May 18 - his 1,500th game in charge.

He said: '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.'

He paid tribute to the support of his friends, colleagues and family throughout his career, in particular his wife Cathy.

He said: '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.' 

Ferguson has had a career the like of which will never be seen again.

He won his 49th trophy by winning United's 20th league championship and seemed set to extend his career into next season, confirming as much in his programme notes ahead of Sunday's encounter with Chelsea.

Instead, with a hip operation booked in for August, this weekend's Old Trafford encounter with Swansea, followed by a trophy presentation, will be his last home game in charge.

Manchester united Chief Executive David Gill described his time working with the manager as the 'greatest experience' of his working life.

He said that the club have been planning for Sir Alex's retirement on and off the pitch.

He 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.'

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