After 27 years, Sir Alex reveals it's 'the right time' to step down at Manchester United as he joins the club's board

Legend to step down at the end of this season after 1,500 games in charge

Most successful manager in English football history will bow out after the West Brom game on May 19

Club announce the 71-year-old will become a club director

Glasgow-born manager will also take up ambassadorial role

A replacement has been chosen, with Moyes set to beat Mourinho to role



Ferguson statement reads: 'It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so'

Fergie adds: 'The backing of the board and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular gave me confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a team'

He first announced his decision to retire in 2001 before changing his mind, describing it as a 'huge mistake'

Manager leaves after winning 13 league titles, two European Cups, five FA Cups and a European Cup-Winners' Cup

Poll Who should replace Ferguson at Manchester United? David Moyes Jose Mourinho Jurgen Klopp Ryan Giggs Steve Bruce Laurent Blanc Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Michael Laudrup Carlo Ancelotti Other Who should replace Ferguson at Manchester United? David Moyes 4313 votes

Jose Mourinho 3397 votes

Jurgen Klopp 1539 votes

Ryan Giggs 722 votes

Steve Bruce 413 votes

Laurent Blanc 146 votes

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 786 votes

Michael Laudrup 304 votes

Carlo Ancelotti 237 votes

Other 592 votes Now share your opinion





Sir Alex Ferguson has announced he will retire as Manchester United manager after 27 years at the club, moving upstairs to be a member of the board. It is a day that will redefine the landscape of British football.



United have already chosen the great Scot's replacement, and it is understood that David Moyes is the red-hot favourite and the link with Jose Mourinho has been dismissed in some quarters.



Announcing the news, 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.

Looking to the future: Sir Alex Ferguson will retire as manager of Manchester United at the end of the season

Bad start: Ferguson watches his first United game, a defeat by Oxford in 1986



FERGUSON'S FABULOUS 49 Sir Alex's 49 trophies is the most successful managerial career Britain has ever known.

ST MIRREN

Scottish First Division (1): 1976-77.

ABERDEEN

Scottish Premier Division (3): 1979-80, 1983-84, 1984-85.

Scottish Cup (4): 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1985-86.

Scottish League Cup (1): 1985-86.

European Cup-Winners' Cup (1): 1982-83.

European Super Cup (1): 1983.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Premier League (13): 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2012-13.

FA Cup (5): 1989-90, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1998-99, 2003-04.

League Cup (4): 1991-92, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2009-10.

Charity/Community Shield (10): 1990 (shared), 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011.

Champions League (2): 1998-99, 2007-08.

European Cup-Winners' Cup (1): 1990-91.

European Super Cup (1): 1991.

Intercontinental Cup (1): 1999.

FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2008. '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.' Now, for the first time in over a quarter of a century, United are on the hunt for a new manager.

David Moyes, out of contract at Everton, and Jose Mourinho, who is expected to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, are the obvious favourites, although Borussia Dortmund's highly-regarded coach Jurgen Klopp and Bayern Munich's 67-year-old outgoing boss Jupp Heynckes will also come into contention.

It promises to be a major test of nerve for the Glazer family, plus Ed Woodward, who will replace David Gill as chief executive in the summer. How times have changed: The infamous 'Ta ra Fergie' banner which was on show at Old Trafford in 1989

First of many: Ferguson cradles the FA Cup in 1990. He would get his hands on many more trophies...

Gong for Europe: Ferguson kisses the European Cup-Winners' Cup after victory in 1991

No 1 signing: Eric Cantona (right) was possibly Ferguson's most important acquisition WHO'S UP NEXT? 10/11 – Moyes 6/4 – Mourinho

14/1 – Klopp 20/1 – Laudrup

25/1 – Giggs 25/1 – Wenger

25/1 – Neville 33/1 – Solskjaer

33/1 – Cantona 66/1 – Mancini

66/1 – Di Canio 80/1 – Keane

250/1 – Darren Ferguson *odds provided by Paddy Power at the time of the announcement from the club 'Alex has proven time and time again what a fantastic manager he is but he's also a wonderful person,' said co-chairman Joel Glazer.

'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.'

Avi Glazer added: '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.'

The 71-year-old moved to Old Trafford in 1986 and re-built United's empire in spectacular fashion - winning an astonishing 38 trophies to make his career haul 49 in all. But, after infamously 'quitting' 12 years ago, he has decided to retire once and for all at the end of this season. He leaves having won his 13th Premier League trophy - and reclaiming the title from the 'noisy neighbours' Manchester City. United’s final match of the season, at West Bromwich Albion on May 19, will be the 1,500th of Ferguson’s tenure as manager. Having always cited his health as the primary factor in any decision to retire, the club’s confirmation last Friday evening that Ferguson, who had a heart pacemaker fitted in 2004, would undergo hip surgery in August raised fresh doubt over his determination to continue in the post. As details of the proposed announcement today dripped through late last night, officials at Old Trafford were not even taking calls from journalists amid the frenzy of speculation. Premier class: The trophy is held by Ferguson in 1993. It's a pose with which he has become very familiar

Double's no trouble: Ferguson and Brian Kidd won both the Premier League and (below) the FA Cup in 1994

FERGUSON'S STATEMENT '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.' Ferguson then arrived for work as usual on Wednesday morning as he was seen driving into United's Carrington training base at 6.50am.

Today's announcement is seemingly at odds with Ferguson's programme notes last weekend, when he wrote: ‘I don’t have any plans at the moment to walk away from what I believe will be something special and worth being around to see. ‘It’s always difficult in football to be absolutely sure of the future because the game has a habit of tripping you up, but I don’t live in a fantasy world and believe we have every reason to feel confident about the future of Manchester United.

'My view stems not from the euphoria of winning back the title we lost last season, but on the way we did it and the make-up of our playing personnel.’ In the statement published on the club's website this morning outgoing chief executive David Gill, added: '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.' Reaction came thick and fast from the world of the football. Peter Schmeichel, who was earlier imploring Ferguson to stay, said: 'Disappointed, shocked, sad. Didn't think THAT day would be today.' FIFA president Sepp Blatter added: 'Was honour to present Sir Alex with Award at 2011 Ballon D’Or. Will his longevity at the top ever be repeated?' Former United player Michael Owen tweeted: 'It's just not sinking in! Manchester United with no Sir Alex just doesn't feel right. What a man and great that it has ended on his terms. What a privilege to have played under arguably the best manager the world has ever seen.' He then turned his attention to the future, adding: 'What an act to follow. I guess only Mourinho would have the confidence to strut through the door. If it were me, I'd go for Moyes.' Sir Geoff Hurst, the World Cup winning hero, said: 'Wishing Sir Alex Ferguson a very well earned retirement although I think he will continue to keep busy! Very big shoes to fill for Manchester United.' Former Arsenal player, and current Manchester City executive, Patrick Vieira said: 'It is the end of an era for a truly great ambassador, not only for the Premier League but for football overall. Best of luck to Sir Alex.' Chelsea midfielder - currently at Real Madrid - Michael Essien said: Sir Alex. A legend and one of the greatest managers ever. Good luck in your retirement.'



King pair: Roy Keane, signed in 1993, was Ferguson's leader on the pitch and inspired many successes

Goal king Cole: Striker Andy Cole was signed from Newcastle for a British record £7m in 1995

Treble joy: Ferguson lifts the Premier League trophy (left) and the FA Cup - then gets his hands on the Holy Grail, the European Cup (below), after that night in Barcelona



Golden boots: Ruud van Nistelrooy was signed from PSV for big money and scored lots of goals

Not a success: Juan Sebastian Veron arrived in the same summer as Van Nistelrooy for £28m Champagne moment: The United manager holds the Premier League trophy in 2003, then drinks the bubbly

READ MORE ON SIR ALEX

CLICK HERE: A trophy life: As Ferguson bows out, here's his incredible haul of silverware from 27 years CLICK HERE: Top 10 things we will miss about Ferguson as he quits Old Trafford CLICK HERE: Moyes and Mourinho lead the race to replace Ferguson after legendary Man United manager retires CLICK HERE: Fergie's red mist: The truth behind that long-running rivalry with Liverpool

CLICK HERE: Jeff Powell pays tribute to Sir Alex, the mercurial manager forged in the Granite City who became the greatest of all time

CLICK HERE: VIDEO: Fergie's best moments - Cantona, Turin, Moscow, Robbins and '99

CLICK HERE: The Kingmakers of Old Trafford! Edwards, Edelson, Watkins and Charlton remember the day they appointed Sir Alex

The League Managers Association released a statement congratulating their longest-serving boss.

It read: 'The LMA would like to congratulate Sir Alex Ferguson CBE on a truly remarkable and fantastic career following his announcement today that he will retire at the end of the season.'

Chairman Howard Wilkinson said: 'Today's news draws to a close the career of a man and a manager, the likes of which we will never see again.

'His public face was always that of the ultimate professional with a fierce pride and determination to do the very best for his club. His frighteningly competitive nature has never nor ever will be equalled. He is the epitome of the mantra ‘Survive, Win, Succeed’.

'But, in private, with those he trusted, he was the very best sort of friend you could ever wish for. To say his presence on the bench will be sorely missed in no way begins to describe the massive hole he will leave behind. He always said he was too old to retire, let’s hope he manages to enjoy the retirement he deserves.'

Richard Bevan, chief executive of the LMA added: 'Sir Alex has left an indelible legacy not only at Manchester United but on the art of football management itself.

'It’s not just his longevity in the game, at one of the world’s biggest and most demanding clubs which is remarkable, rather it has been his ability to consistently deliver the highest levels of success throughout his 40 years and over 2150 matches in football management.

'What Sir Alex has achieved personally with both Manchester United and Aberdeen, where he broke the Old Firm stranglehold in winning 10 trophies in seven years before his appointment at Old Trafford, is unrivalled.

'At the LMA we are also extremely grateful for the amount of time and dedication he has willingly provided to our association and our members since he first joined in 1986.

'His input as an Executive Board member and Trustee has been invaluable in the development of the LMA. As he retires as the most successful manager in the history of the British game we congratulate him on a magnificent career and wish him all the very best for the future.'

Even political leaders were having their say, with PM David Cameron writing on Twitter: 'Sir Alex Ferguson's achievement at MUFC has been exceptional. Hopefully his retirement will make life a little easier for my team AVFC'. Labour leader Ed Miliband added: 'Proud man. Great manager. Staunch Labour Party supporter. Sir Alex Ferguson will never be forgotten.' The tweet provoked a comical reaction, with people joking the politician's turn of phrase suggested the United boss had died. Boot's on the other foot: David Beckham sports a scar eye after Ferguson kicked a boot at him in 2003 Blue to red: Wayne Rooney, with Ferguson in 2011, signed from Everton in 2004 Special Ron: Ferguson turned Cristiano Ronaldo from a showboating teenager into one of the world's best King of Europe again: Ferguson lifts the European Cup in 2008

Sir Alex Ferguson drawn by Trevillion Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) chief executive Gordon Taylor said Ferguson would be 'the toughest act to follow'. He said: 'The game of football will be a lot poorer place without him. He has been quite simply the best. He followed in Sir Matt Busby's footsteps and even surpassed him. He will be also be the toughest act to follow.' Taylor has been PFA chief throughout Ferguson's time at United and he admitted they had clashed on occasion - but that it was soon forgotten. He added: 'I will miss him - he has been a very good friend of the PFA throughout his career. Of course at times it has not always been smooth and we have had a difference of opinion but we always respected each other and we have had a lot more agreements than disagreements. 'He is a great football man, he has turned out team after team and in terms of youth development he has been one of the finest exponents of that. He has had a faith and a belief in his youngsters that is rare in today's football.' Former youth team player Bojan Djodjic: 'Will never forget mornings at Carrington in Sir Alex office. He used to show us in the youth team videos of him elbowing defenders! #legend'

Former player Paul Ince described Ferguson as one of a kind and also admitted finding a replacement would not be easy. Blackpool manager Ince told Sky Sports News: 'He's done the lot, you will never see anyone of his kind again.'

When Ince joined United from West Ham in 1989 Ferguson made sure his move was not ended because of a problem with his medical.

'I remember the first day that I joined Man Utd. I failed my medical and I thought my move to Man Utd was going to collapse. The way he treated me was like a son and I will never forget that moment.

'To play under that man was so demanding, his standards were so high. We had our ups and downs, a lot have ups and downs with him.' Lest we forget: Ferguson (right) and Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson carry wreaths on the 50th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster Red leaders: Then Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair (left) and Gordon Brown (later to become PM) with committed socialist Ferguson in 2005 Dr Ferguson: Getting an honorary doctorate during graduation ceremony at Stirling University in 2011 Statuesque: The Sir Alex Ferguson statue, unveiled last year, outside Old Trafford, while inside the Theatre of Dreams he salutes the United fans

Dutch of class: Robin van Persie signed from Arsenal last year - and what a difference he made to United Title No 13: Arms aloft, Ferguson salutes the Old Trafford crowd after this seasons league title is sewn up FERGIE'S GREATEST SIGNINGS Peter Schmeichel (from Brondby, 1991)

Widely regarded as the greatest goalkeeper in Premier League history, the Dane's heroic efforts provided clean sheets aplenty and the security at the back which was so key to United's success throughout the 1990s. Schmeichel, recruited for around £500,000, knew how to intimidate opposition strikers by making optimum use of his frame and at times appeared just as fearful for his defenders, who would frequently receive a rollicking from him. Capped eight glorious years with the club by skippering United - in the absence of the suspended Roy Keane - in the 1999 Champions League final as Ferguson's men secured the treble.

Eric Cantona (from Leeds, 1992)

Cantona's five-year spell at United will never be forgotten. The Frenchman, who cost Ferguson just over £1million, gave the club's fans many a moment to savour on the pitch with his dazzling skills, which helped the Red Devils to a haul of four Premier League titles and two FA Cups. But what perhaps cemented his iconic status was the way he played the part of the tortured genius. The most infamous instance of his short temper was the kung-fu kick he aimed at a Crystal Palace supporter and he made philosophical comments afterwards about seagulls following a trawler. It was somewhat appropriate that he exited early leaving the crowd wanting more, retiring aged 30 in 1997.

Roy Keane (from Nottingham Forest, 1993)

The £3.75million Ferguson paid Forest for Keane was a British transfer record at the time, but there is little question that he got value for money. In 12 years of service, the Irish midfielder was United's engine room and driving force as they dominated English football through the 1990s and into the next decade. He also led them to the 1999 Champions League final, only to miss the game through suspension. Keane succeeded Cantona as captain and was just as combustible a character, if not more so. But it was that edge on the field that so endeared him to United fans and made him the player everyone else wanted in their team.

Cristiano Ronaldo (from Sporting, 2003)

Ferguson signed a teenage Ronaldo for £12.24million and it looked as if he may have paid over the odds for little more than a showboater in the early days of the Portuguese forward's United career. He soon showed his game was not just about stepovers, though, developing into one of the world's most potent players. Ronaldo scored an incredible total of 42 goals for the club in the 2007-08 season as the Red Devils won the Champions League. Although his exit to Real Madrid a year later was a blow, the world record £80million fee he commanded softened it considerably.

Edwin van der Sar (from Fulham, 2005)

Van der Sar was 34 when he arrived at Old Trafford for an undisclosed fee, but the Dutch goalkeeper was in no way a fading force. It soon became apparent that Ferguson had finally found the solution in a position which had been a problem for United since Schmeichel's departure, as Van der Sar's reliable hands helped the team achieve a new period of success. He broke a multitude of records with his clean sheets in the 2008-09 season and finally retired from football in 2011, having won four Premier League titles and the Champions League with the Red Devils. And on the potential successor, Ince said: 'It's got to be someone with a massive character. It has got to be someone who can deal with what it takes to be a Manchester United manager.

'Whoever comes in to replace him is going to have to deal with the Man United legacy.'

Ince believes Ferguson staying at the club as a director could be a double edged sword for his successor.

'It can have its advantages and disadvantages. Replacing Alex Ferguson is such a massive, massive job. Whoever goes in will need the help of Alex Ferguson,' he said.

'Whoever comes in if it doesn't go well you've got Sir Alex Ferguson upstairs and it can put added pressure on you.' Schmeichel however believes Moyes would be a good fit as a successor as he has proved he can stay at one club for a long time, spending 10 years at Everton. 'What we are looking for is, not someone to come in 10 months or three years, we want someone to come stay there and give stability,' he added. 'When we talk about Moyes, he has been a decade at Everton and done a fantastic job on limited funds. 'Is he cut from the same cloth? I don't know. Don't forget there will be major changes with David Gill stepping down - the club is really changing in the summer, the more stability they can add the better. David Moyes, he sounds like a good solution.'

Former United striker Dwight Yorke, who played under Ferguson between 1998 and 2002 and was part of the 1999 treble-winning side, feels a combination of factors led the Scot to call it a day at the age of 71.

'I've seen Sir Alex Ferguson on Monday at a charity game,' the former Trinidad and Tobago international told Sky Sports News.

'He was in good spirits but the rumours were really strong around the place that he was going to retire and there was a big announcement supposed to be happening tomorrow and not today.

'I think probably the fact of the club floating on the stock market meant this decision needed to come out very quickly. But the people within the football club knew this was likely to happen this season. And I think with his hip replacement (booked in for late July), with David Gill going as well, that sort of pushed him to say "this might be the best time for me to retire".'

Yorke expects there to be a strange atmosphere in the immediate wake of Ferguson's departure from the helm.

'He's been such a focal point at the football club,' he said. 'He's taken Manchester United to the level they are at right now.

'It's a shock to the system because he's been there every day. He's the one person when you go into the football club he's always there. For him not to be there from the start of next season, it's not going to be right around the football club and it will take some getting used to.'

Ferguson, of course, will be bowing out on a high having regained the Premier League title after being pipped to the crown by rivals Manchester City in dramatic circumstances on the final day of last term.

'He has very, very high standards and it's all about winning trophies and breaking records with Sir Alex Ferguson,' Yorke continued.

'But there's more to the man. How they lost the Premier League last season - that would have hurt him immensely. Certainly losing it to Manchester City, that would have hurt worse than anything else.

'He wanted to regain it and he's managed to do that in a great way and with a great style of play.' Former United midfielder Lou Macari was shocked by this morning's announcement and acknowledged Ferguson's successor would have a difficult act to follow.

The Scot, now a pundit for MUTV, told the club's television channel: 'It really has caught me by surprise this morning.

'My phone kept ringing all morning and I thought it must be something serious. When the news comes through, it's about the manager... which is serious if you're a Manchester United supporter.

'Everybody will be a little bit concerned. Can the next guy coming through the door do what Sir Alex has done? That's going to be tough.'

He continued: I know the club will be looking for a manager for the long term and not looking for a quick fix or anything like that.

'(Whoever comes in has) got to live in the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby. He's got to want attacking football, got to be able to work with top-class players and obviously got to have belief in youth development as well.' Thanks for everything, Boss. twitter.com/Cristiano/stat… — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) May 8, 2013





THE LIFE AND TIMES OF SIR ALEX FERGUSON 1941 - Born Dec. 31 in Govan, Scotland.

1957 - Begins playing career at Scottish club Queen's Park.

1966 - Marries Cathy.

1974 - Ends six-club playing career and takes charge of Scottish club East Stirling.

1978 - Becomes manager of Aberdeen in Scottish top division, winning Scottish league for the first time in 1981.

1983 - Wins European Cup Winners' Cup with victory over Real Madrid in final, and becomes Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

1985 - Takes temporary charge of Scotland's national team after death of manager Jock Stein on Sept. 10.

1986 - Coaches Scotland at World Cup, where team failed to advance from group.

1986 - Becomes Manchester United manager as replacement for the fired Ron Atkinson. Leaves Aberdeen with three Scottish titles, four Scottish Cups, one League Cup, a European Cup Winners' Cup and a European Super Cup.

1990 - Wins first trophy at United, the FA Cup after a replay against Crystal Palace in the final.

1991 - Wins European Cup Winners' Cup after beating Barcelona 2-1 in final.

1992 - Signs French forward Eric Cantona.

1993 - Wins United's first English title since 1967 and voted Manager of the Year.

1994 - Retains English title and also wins FA Cup.

1995 - Made Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

1996 - Wins Premier League again, this time with youngsters in his team such as David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville known as "Fergie's Fledglings."

1999 - Wins a historic Premier League-FA Cup-Champions League treble, after winning European Cup for the first time thanks to late goals by Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a 2-1 win over Bayern Munich; Becomes a knight; Wins Intercontinental Cup

2001 - Breaks British transfer record to sign Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron for 28 million pounds.

2002 - Decides to stay on at United after announcing decision to retire at the end of the season. Admits decision to make announcement public was an "absolute disaster."

2003 - Launches legal action against then-United shareholder John Magnier over ownership of race horse Rock of Gibraltar; Reportedly kicks football boot into face of Beckham, causing injury to midfielder's face. Beckham sold to Real Madrid that summer; Signs Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon.

2004 - Has pacemaker fitted.

2007 - Denies Chelsea a third straight English title by winning Premier League with United for ninth time.

2008 - Wins Champions League for the second time with victory in a penalty shootout over Chelsea, following 1-1 draw; Wins Club World Cup.

2009 - Given four-match touchline ban for comments criticizing fitness of referee Alan Wiley.

2010 - Wins fourth and final League Cup.

2011 - United names north stand at Old Trafford as the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.

2013 - Reclaims Premier League title from Manchester City, winning it for 13th time. FERGIE'S TOUGHEST TESTS OF 27 YEARS IN THE OLD TRAFFORD HOTSEAT EARLY SURVIVAL AND ESTABLISHING HIMSELF

Ferguson may have had a strong reputation in Scotland when he arrived but that would not have saved him had the troubles of his first few seasons continued much longer. United flirted with relegation in 1989-90 but crucially kept the season alive by shining in the FA Cup. They went on to win the trophy with victory over Crystal Palace in a replayed final and Ferguson's reign gathered momentum.

RECLAIMING THE LEAGUE TITLE

United had enjoyed occasional cup successes since last winning the league in 1967 but they were largely living off past glories until Ferguson finally ended their title drought. In 1991-92 they made a strong challenge only to lose out to Leeds at the last hurdle. There was no mistake 12 months later, however, and a further 11 titles have since followed.

WINNING THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

With a 26-year league hoodoo broken, United's 'holy grail' became success in Europe's elite competition. Admittedly rules regarding foreign players were a hindrance, but mid-1990s European challenges were characterised by struggles and disappointing defeats to teams such as Galatasaray, IFK Gothenburg and Fenerbahce - as well as one infamous footballing lesson from Barcelona. Ferguson ensured they were a far tougher outfit by the end of the decade, though, and they finally threw the monkey off their back in 1999, when victory over Bayern Munich in Barcelona completed a glorious treble.

REBUILDING THE TEAM

To maintain his phenomenal success, Ferguson has continually regenerated his team. Arguably he never did this better than after his initial flurry of trophies when the likes of Paul Ince, Mark Hughes and Andrei Kanchelskis moved on. Ferguson put faith in youngsters such as David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes and was derided for doing so, but it paid off handsomely. Similarly after Arsenal and Chelsea shared the titles from 2004-06, Ferguson hit back with a new side built around Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

DEALING WITH PLAYER POWER

The rise of player power over the past two decades has given managers at many clubs huge problems, but Ferguson rarely bows to it. He is very much the boss at Old Trafford and his position is virtually untouchable. There have been controversies involving big-name players including David Beckham, Roy Keane, Jaap Stam and Paul Ince but Ferguson has not only won each time, but been proved right. Last year Rooney appeared to burn bridges in dramatic fashion but he was coaxed back into the fold, and with remarkable results.

SILENCING THE NOISY NEIGHBOURS

When Manchester City, backed by the seemingly endless wealth of Sheikh Mansour, became champions of England last season for the first time in 44 years, it seemed the power balance in the city may have shifted indefinitely. But while Roberto Mancini's men struggled to recreate the football that took the Premier League trophy to Eastlands, Ferguson made another key signing - bringing in Robin van Persie from rivals Arsenal - and took title number 13 to Old Trafford to quieten City down for another season.

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