Ferguson retires - the reaction

Here is a selection of what the people in football have had to say...

Huddersfield Town manager Mark Robins, who played under Ferguson: “He is the best football manager to have ever graced the job, without a shadow of a doubt.”

Hull City manager Steve Bruce, who captained Ferguson’s dominant team of the 90s: “What can you say? In my opinion, what he has achieved will never be done again. It’s just a remarkable achievement. He has been the best there is - full stop.”

Blackpool manager Paul Ince, another Fergie stalwart of the 1990s: “He’s done the lot, you will never see anyone of his kind again.

“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.”

LMA chairman and former Leeds United manager Howard Wilkinson: “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.”

Gordon Taylor, Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) chief executive: “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.”

Manchester United chief executive David Gill 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.

Former United midfielder Lou Macari: “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.”

Former United player and Sheffield United and Bradford City manager Bryan Robson: “It definitely came as a surprise because I go in to watch training every now and again.

“The boss hadn’t mentioned anything, not that he would because he does not give too much away. Still, it is a bit of a surprise.

“It would have to happen at some stage and I think the boss must have just felt he has got a lot of grandkids and maybe he wanted to spend a bit more with them.”