Alex Ferguson set to retire as Man U manager at the end of the season | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog

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Wednesday, 8 May 2013

Alex Ferguson set to retire as Man U manager at the end of the season

Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has announced his decision to retire at the end of the season. The 71 year old who became Man U manager in 1986, will bow out after Man U meets West Bromwich Albion on May 19th and will join the football club board as director & ambassador.

Sir Alex is the most successful manager in English football history. He won 38 tropphies, including two Champions League and 13 Premier League. Sir Alex Ferguson told United’s website:
“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.

"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.”


“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.”

123 comments:

  1. What a legend. The end of an era..

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    1. Truely the end of an era. 27 years no be beans! David Moyes has extremely humongously LARGE shoes to fill... I will miss chewy Fergie ooo!

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    2. Yea, he has paid his dues!

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      Www.nellyagbogu.com

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    3. Oh dear, will celebrate dis man, just like I'll celebrate Ryan Giggs wen he drops his boots. Two great men in d history of football and Man U. Luv u guys a lot.

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  2. A legend. Football will miss you SAF.


    topeorekoya.blogspot.com

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  3. I will miss u SAF, and also the bubble gum

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  4. nooooooo....greatest manager ever....#legend

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  5. Ohhhh we'l miss you dearly. Dts a wise man der

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  6. Retirement well deserved and at the very perfect time... Sir Fergie u are well respected... First to comment

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  7. Thanks 4d glorious years..GGMU!!! Mourinho is next.

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  8. What a success he has been in the EPL. The scot has earned my respect even as I am not a Man utd fan, and what a wonderful way to exit when the ovation is loudest, after clinching the 20th league title for the reds.
    Well done sir!

    PS: Gunners for life though, till we meet in heaven!

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  9. That's their panadol! Happy retirement sir!*cagey*

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  10. Fergie is the man. Well done boss!

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  12. hmmm,am proud of u.but we will miss u.

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  13. the greatest there was,is,and will ever be. SAF... living legend

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    1. I concur, hardly will there be any like him. Oh Feggyyy, will mis u a bunch

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  14. Sir alex wit his threater of tricks will b miss age is nt in anybdy side use ur time well lik saf.

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  15. Sir alex wit his threater of tricks will b miss age is nt in anybdy side use ur time well lik saf.

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  16. Thumbs up FERGIE,Man U for LIVE.

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  17. My coach has tried. Pls make them use keshi replace sir alex.
    @emekanews

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  18. Well done sir you would be greatly missed by all of us

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  19. The fear of mourinho is the begining of wisdom. Thanks 4 running away.

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  20. Phenomenal Manager whose records may never be erased... Farewell Sir ALEX... Your LEGACY will be remembered by POSTERITY. Bring on David Moyes! I'm United just like the GOD-head!!!

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  21. You will forever be remembered for your service to Football, for moulding young men into great men. True mark of greatness. We will miss you.

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  22. Will sure miss u sir,ur name will be in history ,as the greatest coach of our time ,long live manchester united.

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  23. @last Linda has shared sport news......We love u fergie and u'll always be missed....United till i die.

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  24. The earlier d beter Oº°˚˚°º b4 Mourinho come n give u hypertension. Though am nt Man U fan but SAF deserve the honour

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  25. SAF is a huge part of my love for the Man U. I will soooooo miss him. His easy disposition on the pitch is unique. #foreverredblooded

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  26. Sir, well done and You picked the moment when the applause is loudest to step aside. Grand exit

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  27. Oooh Sir Alex!!!

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  28. I love you SIR ALEX FERGUSON,will MISS you. God bless you and you family. #teamManU#

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  29. Cant believe i'm crying.....:'(....

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  30. THANK GOD FOR U. HOPEFULLY OUR DEAR CLUB WILL COME OUT STRONGER AS U HAVE PREDICTED

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  31. Chai my question is who will replace you sir?

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  32. OMG! Twaz a mata of tym tho. Dnt wuna tink of hu wil takeover yet. May it neva eva b David Moyes or Klopp, IJN Amen!

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  33. Finally, thot he was gon drop dead on d pitch one day while trying to manipulate the refree.

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  34. And the ManU turmoil begins! Hahahaha. Well done SAF #legend.

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  35. tho am a chelsea fan, i gotta say dat this man is one of the greatest managers of all time..... If there was a title bigger than legend, Sir Alex deserves it big time...

    On the flip side - e don be for una o Man U fans..lolz

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    1. The spirit lives on, forget dat yan. Na becos he allow una qualify for Champs lg? Always strugling Blues. Lol.....!

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  36. Thank GOD, the special one is coming to Man U, will go kill everybody for league.

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  37. He is a true Legend. Chelsea fc 4ever

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  38. It was bound to happen sooner or later. The man has tried, his gum chewing jaws too. "Leave when the ovation is high". Now, Mourinho has 2 options. He chose the right time to diss Real Madrid.

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  39. Awwwww..... Best manager ever!!!

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  40. This is so emotional. You were and will always be the best manager in football history...Will miss you terribly Sir

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  41. will sure miss you....a wonderful coach and a disciplined manager,God bless u.... mau u 4eva

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  42. dats my oga @ d top,its high time he bows out

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  43. Lol.. Exactly, noticed he loves chewing gum at every match.

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  44. Chelsea beat Barca, Guardiola out.
    Chelsea beat Tottenham, Redknapp out.
    Chelsea beat Liverpool, Dalgish out.
    Chelsea beat United, FERGUSON out.
    Who is next i guest AVB

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    1. Dis comment must be from a very senseless chelsea fan.

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    2. Only chelsea fan can say that. Senseless

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  45. A job well done. Boss.

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  46. Even retired or not
    Saf re a legend

    Miss U Sir

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  47. So at last he's retirin....eyah!Wil definitely miss d man!England most decorated n sucessful manager!...So mak i c weda Man U. go continue dia PDP witout d Boss himsef!

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  48. Kai!c as mourino neva shw face al man don dey tk cova!d"only 1" is bak!wenger d fool no go run nw

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  49. This is so emotional; You were and will always be the best manager in football history. Will miss you terribly Sir! Wishing you health and happiness

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  50. "Once the meat, fish and other obstacles in the soup are finished, the remaining Eba/Akpu becomes useless." - Albert Einstein.

    Make sure you leave when the ovation is loud!

    #word

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  51. Halleluuuuyah,Fergie u are a legend,but it's time 2 bow out,glazer get us conte or heynkes

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  52. The premiership 'll miss u ur fans ,player's the press ,fa.who 'll fit in.I don't think is the special one cos he 's coming to stamford brige.abi na make SAF retire fear dey catch am.hehehehhe

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  53. Sir Alex,the G.O.A.T(Greatest Of All Time). We'l really miss u. We prefer Jurgen Klopp or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to Moyes or Mourinho...even though Mourinho has suspended contract negotiations with chelsea when he heard about Fergie's retirement. ManU get class sha. #GloryGloryManUnited

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    1. Must you abbreviate? Ewo ni Goat! Lol

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    2. G.O.A.T.
      I'm almost sure this is a UNILAG student

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  54. I wil miss u sir..... Greatest manager of all time. Legend..... Champion..... Visionary.

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  55. D only certified sir!!we r loyal n proud of u!!bt dis sudden heartbreak of retiring suddenly hope we d fans n players recover from it soon n kick start d new season n season ahead with more success! We just hope for a great successor

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  56. Thanks you fergi,united we miss u.

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  57. Sir Alex Ferguson, I am 27yrs old,same years you spent at the helm of the greatest club in football history by name Manchester United. You hv being as constant as the chairs, grass and our magnificent stadium(theatre of dreams). I don't know what it would be like watching a game without you present and guiding the team forward. I wouldn't be selfish and deprive u of your well deserved retirement by wishing you to go on coaching. I and I believe, eveyother man united fan are very grateful for the 27 wonderful years you gave us. With tears in my eyes I say fare thee well Sir Alex Ferguson, enjoy your retirement. With your permission, can we still call scoring at the last minute of the game "fergie time". My humble tribute to the greatest leader of the Red Army.
    Ceejay

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    1. Well said, the best and greatest leader of the Red Army! We will miss SAF

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  58. A mentor,role model,motivator,an achiever...will miss you..Red till i die.

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  59. I will miss him. He has done a wonderful job. Who will d next manager be? "Jose"

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  60. Ade why are u crying, u want him to die as a coach, sir Alex u don try abey go rest before mourinho teach u lesson.

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  61. The last Paragraph says it all...guys in all your hustling, make sure you are getting a good woman to be by yourside. Success, like charity, begins at home so make sure you honor and treat the good women in your life right. That is one vital key to success most men overlook.

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  62. since I heard d news I Ave nut bin myself. Wat will life bin witout sir Alex in man united, I guess we will ave to wait still nex season to see. Still uni99999999999ted 4 life *GGMN*

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  63. Yes Big Boss,Thank u for the great service #Teamunited #Teamferguson

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  64. and i heard someone say becos he is scared of the chosen one's return to london (jose) pllssssss that man is a living legend. https://yomiafolabi.blogspot.com

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  65. chai.am cryin.so ur leavin us,.A.I.G>alex is gud. A.O.N>alex or notin. Ur a god. No problem. Pls i dnt wnt mourinho in man u,i dnt wnt a manager dt wil get one trophy nd run away,or disorganis us and run. PLS HARY RECKNAPP CUM TO OUR AID OR GIGGS U TAKE OVA WT D SAME PATERN UR BOSS USED. Alex i lov u

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  66. My manager, we will all miss u. Thank you for building a football club#MUFC U r the greatest and most successful manager in England. *Thumps Up*

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  67. Rip ManU! I love and respect sir Alex so much. A highly principled, optimistic and focused man.

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  68. Man U for life....awesome and emotional speech. ...my SAF that chews away tension with bubble gum...you would surely be missed.

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  69. http://youtu.be/3kcCSQBj9yM8 May 2013 at 11:52

    fergie will be greatly missed.

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  70. Not a ManU fan but here is a well deserved salute to the greatest football manager of our time

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  71. The fear of Jose Mouriho is the beginning of wisdom; the special one forced pep to take a sabbatical leave last term now Ferguson is retiring cos the only one is returning to Chelsea. I hail you the king of all coaches sir Jose Mouriho!

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  72. Oh finally, Linda the Chelsea fan has said something about Manchester United. LOL!

    Legend! Thanks for all the memories. One United!!

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  73. Please go jor! E don do! Since I was born na so so Sir Alex ferguson i dey hear!

    You did well! Bow out now!

    thank you

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  74. @Al Ameen Nigeria.. Pack well!!! When mourinho came to England, was Sir Alex not there? A great way to leave when the ovation is loudest.

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  75. Will be very ungrateful should I fail to drop a comment on the most decorated coach in the world...
    It was fun while it lasted boss, we are indeed very grateful, wishing you a splendid retirement and a good rest well deserved. See you around... BOSS.

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  76. I've always thought I was a man united fan, but now I realize deep down It's always been about Alex Ferguson... IRREPLACABLE.
    Nice words spoken by fergie 2wards his Wife.
    Dodorima.

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  77. Oooh sir,farewell, I personal will miss u,an entire united family will miss u greatly.God see u tru as well.

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  78. #Respect to Sir Alex...he's undoubtedly the best manager in d game...wishing him luck as he moves on

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  79. A glorious exit for a Legend, leaving wen the 0vation is still loud, 20 League titles,2Uefa Champions League,4English FA cup,2world club cup trophy,A Legend!who can beat!Sir Alex Ferguson I doff ma hat yu α̲̅я̩̥̊ε̲̣̣̣̥ a united hero,United history wud always be written wit yu name in Gold!fergie the unbeatable!I dnt envy ur successor at all,W̶̲̥̅̊ε̲̣̣̣̥ will always yu.

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  80. I can't stop crying d greatest of all time d king of british futbol my role model in terms of archievement i will miss u sir alex

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  81. Linda how can you abbreviate MANCHESTER UNITED to MAN U in an article like this, what the fuck is that? you need to be a lot more serious with your communication. Media communication is serious stuff, cant say much about you giving out thrashy information. Go learn or something. #learner

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  82. Uve fought a good fight and there are many trophies to show for it. Wish you the very best and the United fans will miss you

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  83. MANCHESTER UNITED FOR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    LEGEND FOREVER!!!!

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  84. MUST READ FOR EVERY UNITED FAN!!!

    Sir Alex held a meeting with the first-team squad on Wednesday morning before choking up as he addressed the entire staff at the club's Carrington training centre

    Sir Alex Ferguson broke down in tears during an emotional goodbye to Manchester United staff this morning following the announcement of his decision to retire.

    Once the entire first-team squad had arrived for training, Ferguson held an eight-minute meeting with the players and senior staff during where he informed them of his decision.

    Sources say the players were "quiet and shocked" as they left the meeting, with some clearly emotional. Ferguson was the last man out of the room and was seen supportively patting assistant manager Mike Phelan on the back.

    At 9.20am, around the same time that United made an official announcement on their website, Ferguson went to the main dining hall at Carrington to address the entire staff, from the tea ladies to the coaches.

    The atmosphere was described as "pensive" and "sombre". By then, everyone knew what was going on.

    During a speech that lasted between eight and 10 minutes, Ferguson choked up and became tearful as he thanked them for their support over the years and spoke of the wonderful support within the "United family".

    Ferguson became particularly emotional as he revealed that some people present - particularly technical staff - may lose their jobs as a consequence of his retirement.

    After he finished talking, Ferguson received a standing ovation as he shuffled out of the room, still clearly emotional as he brings an end to an extraordinary career at United.
    Sir Alex held a meeting with the first-team squad on Wednesday morning before choking up as he addressed the entire staff at the club's Carrington training centre Sir Alex Ferguson broke down in tears during an emotional goodbye to Manchester United staff this morning following the announcement of his decision to retire. Once the entire first-team squad had arrived for training, Ferguson held an eight-minute meeting with the players and senior staff during where he informed them of his decision. Sources say the players were "quiet and shocked" as they left the meeting, with some clearly emotional. Ferguson was the last man out of the room and was seen supportively patting assistant manager Mike Phelan on the back. At 9.20am, around the same time that United made an official announcement on their website, Ferguson went to the main dining hall at Carrington to address the entire staff, from the tea ladies to the coaches. The atmosphere was described as "pensive" and "sombre". By then, everyone knew what was going on. During a speech that lasted between eight and 10 minutes, Ferguson choked up and became tearful as he thanked them for their support over the years and spoke of the wonderful support within the "United family". Ferguson became particularly emotional as he revealed that some people present - particularly technical staff - may lose their jobs as a consequence of his retirement. After he finished talking, Ferguson received a standing ovation as he shuffled out of the room, still clearly emotional as he brings an end to an extraordinary career at United.

    #THANKYOUSIRALEX.

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  85. Football great! You will be surely missed. Can't imagine life at old traford without the legend himself. you have written your name in the gold. Bravo!

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  86. Proudly man utd, SAF u ar a tru legend u will be truely miss I pray that Almighty God will give u many more yrs ahead on earth.

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  87. Our dearest Sir.we Man U family we luv u and wish u culd stay one more season with us we miss u our Legend.

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  88. arsene wenger( d vulture ), wetin u still dey do 4 Arsenal, u no wan retire abi, or u wan die like coach? SAF welldone boss, no mind vulture wey no want make we progress...

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  89. This man wet ma eyes with this announcement.

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  90. Legend,d most successful of dem all!i dnt envy whoeva is goin 2 b d nxt coach.He ll hv a very big reputation 2 maintain.

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  91. 25 Real Madrid managers, 17 Chelsea
    managers, 14 ManCity managers, 13 Bayern
    Munich managers, 1 MANUTD SAF"#FergieTime"

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  92. Go well Alex. David Moyes has just been announced as his replacement

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  93. I always thought him to be the greatest manager. I still fondly remember him shaking like a leaf in the cold wembley night against barca.The game would surely miss him!!!

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  94. Papa yhu wiill 4Eva b rem....muchoo luv

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  95. Awwwwwww so sad, I'm still in tears, so hard to say goodbye. Sir Alex Simply UNFORGETTABLE Simply IRREPLACEABLE Simply a LIVING LEGEND. 27 years ........ 38 trophies..... We love Fergie! Mancehster United rules

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  96. he's done a lot..#RESPECT

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  97. Linda, don't you use spell check? It's spelt "trophies" not "tropphies." I don't think it's difficult to type "Man Utd" or "Man United." Can't really expect you to know much but for the record, "Man U" is only used by club rival fans and ignorant fans who don't know the origin of the term. You never see a good news source using it.

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  98. A great Legend of the beautiful game. Whoever is coming in to replace him has MASSIVE shoes to fill.

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  99. Will forever miss my BOSS.

    Respect to the greatest manager in the world of sports.

    #MUFC #ThankYouSAF

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  100. Thank u Sir Alex ferguson and finally I hope the new coach gets rid of d many useless players there. I hope he will sell Anderson, Nani, Young, fletcher,Evra and finally Valencia d most useless 7 in d whole world. Breath of fresh air

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  101. SAF... Greatest of all Bosses. Great future ahead of you sir!

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  102. pls dad dnt retire u are morethan a million to m.united and me i like u so much if you retire from m.united i will also retire than to enter another club. Frm john nani

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  103. The only football coach I respect. You will always be fondly remembered.

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  104. I miss you...LEGEND!

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  105. We will miss him. Google and Download igbawo mp3 by segebaba ft ksolo.

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  106. What a sad day for us Manu fans.......thanks for bringing all the success to our club..Enjoy your retirement Baba Alex

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Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the comment writers alone and does not reflect or represent the views of Linda Ikeji.

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