This was truly the last day all football fans around the world have seen Sir Alex in the managerial role of Manchester United, as the enigmatic manager took a last bow at The Hawthorns on his 1500th match at the head of Manchester United, but it was a thorny sending off for him, as United twice gave away a 3-goal cushion to finally end up drawing 5-5 with West Brom, but still this result had no direct impact on the career of this man, knowing that he had reached the greatest heights possible with his team since he took over from 1986 up to now, and having seen so many generations of world class players plying their trade under his guidance, and having kept his word of knocking Liverpool off their perch when at one point in time the latter had more league titles than United.
Wigan claim FA Cup
Wigan caused a major upset today, as they put aside their relegation worries to beat Man City 1-0 at Wembley for the FA Cup final game, where substitute Watson headed in the only goal of the match on the 91st minute, while City ended with 10 men on the field after Zabaleta was sent off for a second yellow card some 5 minutes before the goal was scored.
David Moyes takes over from Sir Alex
As recommended by Sir Alex himself, David Moyes has been chosen by United’s board to take over from Sir Alex as from 1st July 2013, with a contract of 6 years offered to him at the head of the Red Devils.
Sir Alex quoted from manutd.com:
When we discussed the candidates that we felt had the right attributes we unanimously agreed on David Moyes. David is a man of great integrity with a strong work ethic. I’ve admired his work for a long time and approached him as far back as 1998 to discuss the position of Assistant Manager here. He was a young man then at the start of his career and has since gone on to do a magnificent job at Everton. There is no question he has all the qualities we expect of a manager at this Club.”
David Moyes quoted:
“It’s a great honour to be asked to be the next Manager of Manchester United. I am delighted that Sir Alex saw fit to recommend me for the job. I have great respect for everything he has done and for the Football Club.
“I know how hard it will be to follow the best manager ever, but the opportunity to manage Manchester United isn’t something that comes around very often and I’m really looking forward to taking up the post next season.
“I have had a terrific job at Everton, with a tremendous chairman and Board of Directors and a great set of players. Between now and the end of the season, I will do everything in my power to make sure we finish as high as possible in the table.
“Everton’s fantastic fans have played a big part in making my years at Goodison so enjoyable and I thank them wholeheartedly for the support they have given me and the players. Everton will be close to me for the rest of my life.”
Sir Alex announces his retirement
First of all, let’s all take a bow…
It’s official, Sir Alex Ferguson has announced his retirement at the end of the season, with his final game on home ground being this weekend against Swansea, where United will be officially crowned as 2013 champions, and his final match being away to West Brom to end his 27-year old spell in charge of the Red Devils. Let’s hope the players turn on the style in these remaining 2 games to give him a befitting sending-off… He will, however, still be at the club, as he is joining the board as ambassador and director of the club.


