SIR ALEX TO STEP DOWN AS UNITED MANAGER

Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson announced that he will retire as the club manager at the end of the season after 26 years in charge. The 71 years old Scot, has won 38 trophies during his reign at Old Trafford and will now become a director and ambassador for the club.

His achievements includes 13 league titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups. Everton's David Moyes is the bookmakers' favourite to take over, with Jose Mourinho, currently at Real Madrid, also tipped.

Ferguson, is confident his successor will take over a club in good health after winning their 20th top-flight title 17 days ago. He praised the people he felt helped him build the club from a team that had not won a title for 26 years into one of the biggest in the world.

Ferguson is the most successful manager in the history of the British game and famously won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999.