Sir Alex Ferguson retires: Man Utd fans react

Manchester United fans have been reacting to the news Sir Alex Ferguson will retire at the end of the season.

Many headed to the club's Old Trafford stadium after hearing the 71-year-old will step down after 26 years in charge.

Keith Vernon, 64, of Stretford

I can't see Ferguson relinquishing his position at Old Trafford, he'll probably let someone sit on the seat and pedal but Alex will have hold of the handlebars. I think he's got a passion about the club and Man United is a part of him. Other home-grown managers didn't work, I don't think there's anyone at the present moment in British football that has his vision and foresight. There's a reason why David Moyes hasn't signed his contract at Everton.

Richard Scully, 27, teacher from Stalybridge

I was walking past taking my school kids to the cricket ground when someone told me. I didn't believe them at first but then on my phone I had about 12 messages saying "Oh my God". It's complete shock. I didn't think he'd ever retire, I thought he'd carry on unless told to retire through ill health, I thought he'd just die at the ground. I think it'll probably be David Moyes or Jose Mourinho that takes over but I would like to see Jurgen Klopp, he's the best man for the job. Fergie came here the year I was born and I've never seen anything different. Not seeing him on the touchline will be weird. I don't think anyone will surpass what he's done and he'll still have an influence at the club.

Gustavo Manara, 21, of Brazil

I came here for a tour as I'm on holiday. I think Alex Ferguson has won many Premier Leagues, he's a victorious man. He could be working for another two or three years. Maybe he could carry on in his role as director.

Keith Moorhouse, 48, builder from West Gorton

I'm working round the corner and came over when I heard to see what's happening. I'm gutted really, he's irreplaceable. Hopefully we will get someone like Jose Mourinho, the special one. He's had a great career here. He'll be a director, the club still needs his influence. Fans will be disappointed he's retired but we have all got to retire some time.

Jim Davidson, 45, IT manager from Rochdale

I thought I'd come through Old Trafford on my way to work to see what the reaction's like. I was really surprised and shocked. I thought he'd have one more crack at the European Cup. He's done everything for this club, he can do what he wants. The future depends on who they get, he ran it top to bottom. We need someone strong, someone that can manage big names. There's only one person and that's Jose Mourinho, he's proved he can do that job in Madrid.

James and Trish Allison, of Lincolnshire

We can't believe it's happened today when we're here for a tour. It was a bit of a shock but with him being champion this year maybe he's going out on a high. We don't think it will affect the club a great deal, if they find the right manager. He's put everything in place, brought all the young ones up. We'd tell him good luck for his retirement, he's done a good job.