Sir Alex Ferguson retires as Manchester United manager

His last game will be at The Hawthorns against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, May 19.

David Cameron led tributes to the man who has won 38 trophies in 26 years at Old Trafford to make him the most successful manager in the history of British football.

"Sir Alex Ferguson's achievement at United has been exceptional. Hopefully his retirement will make life a little easier for my team," the Aston Villa fan said through Twitter.

Sir Alex, 71, said in a statement today that it was important to him to leave the club in the 'strongest possible shape.'

He has always maintained that health reasons are the only reason he would ever step down and, significantly, he is due to have a major hip operation this summer.

His last game at Old Trafford will be against Swansea on Sunday. This afternoon, tickets for the match were fetching £2,850 on websites.

Announcing his decision to retire, 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.

"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 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."

The Scot, 71, saw his team win the Premier League title 17 days ago to take the number of trophies he has won in 26 years at United to 38.

His haul includes 13 titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and five League Cups.

He will now move upstairs to become a director of the club. Among those quick to pay tribute today was former Wolves and United player and current Blackpool manager Paul Ince.

"I'm totally shocked. What's he's done in unbelievable. You'll never see anyone of his kind again," he said. "Two weeks ago he was talking about staying on for another two years, so it's a massive, massive shock. The way he treated me was like a son."

Sir Alex had vowed to carry on 'indefinitely' in programme notes written before Sunday's defeat against Chelsea.

Bookmakers have made Everton manager David Moyes odds-on favourite to take over with Jose Mourhinho a close second.

Fergie time is over: End of an era as football legend retires - See today's Express & Star