Sir Alex Ferguson to retire from Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson is retiring as Manchester United manager at the end of the season.

United confirmed on Wednesday morning that Ferguson will be stepping down after 26 years in charge.

Ferguson said in a statement: "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."

He'll take on a new dual role as director and ambassador.

United are confident of announcing a successor to Ferguson before the weekend - with David Moyes and Jose Mourinho the favourites to replace him.

The club said in a statement: "The most successful manager in English football history will bow out after the West Bromwich Albion game on 19 May and join the football club board."

Pictures: Sir Alex Ferguson's amazing career

Ferguson is seen by many as the most successful manager in British football.

Last month he guided United to their 20th Premier League title.

Was it the right time for Sir Alex Ferguson to retire?

We asked you what you think - should Sir Alex Ferguson have retired now? Here's a selection of your comments.

Your comments

"He should retire so that all the other Premier League teams can have a go at winning, although he is a great manager."

Luke, Manchester, England

"I'm proud that he's leaving so other unsuccessful clubs like Wigan can beat them."

Amir, Kent, England

"I think he should retire after all the successes he's had and Jose Mourinho should take his place."

Ethan, Belfast, Northern Ireland

"He shouldn't retire, otherwise Man United will go downhill, especially against Swansea now they know their manager is retiring."

Jennifer, Crewe, England

"I'm glad as he was a rival!"

Josh, England

"I think that Alex shouldn't leave because Manchester United are my team. He is an awesome manager and no one could ever replace him. Luckily, my family have got tickets to see him on Sunday for the last time and for the after party."

Maria, Warwickshire, England

"NOOOOOO!!! I love Manchester United and for Alex Ferguson to leave is a massive decision! I can't believe it, however thanks to Alex - he did Manchester United proud!"

Amina, Bradford, England

"Alex Ferguson should not quit, I support Manchester United and he is the best coach ever!!!"

Joshua, Essex, England

"I don't think that Alex Ferguson should retire because to me he is the best manager ever. My family and I support Manchester United and we don't want any other manager because he is the best, but goodbye Alex!!!"

Cameron, Wolverhampton, England

"I think Sir Alex Ferguson has done a great job being a coach for Manchester United and I wish he would never retire! Thank you Sir Alex Ferguson!"

Annika, Bangkok, Thailand

"I think Sir Alex Ferguson should not leave. He has been the best leader for Manchester United yet and has led the team to victory many times. When he leaves I will be upset."

Liam, Liverpool, England

"I don't want Sir Alex Ferguson to retire because United are not going to be the best team in the world anymore."

Rahma, Birmingham, England

"He should stay with Manchester United until they win another major tournament so he can go out with a bang!"

Douglas, Tiptree, England

"I don't think Sir Alex Ferguson should retire for another year unless Mourinho is willing to take his place."

Husaam, Dewsbury, England

"I don't want Sir Alex Ferguson to go even though I am a Newcastle supporter, because he's won 20 titles with Man United - I think he can go on to win more."

Bradley, Lincoln, England

"Yes I do think Sir Alex Ferguson should leave so that Man United can leave the title open for my favourite team Chelsea."

Matthew, London, England

"I don't think he should retire yet because he's a great manager and he could last a few more years. He could win more cups for Manchester United."

Cameron, Cardiff, Wales

"I don't want him to leave because he is the best manager in the world."

Hayden, Manchester, England

"I think Sir Alex Ferguson should retire as he has been manager at Manchester United for many years and he is going to have a hip operation."

Archie and Lilly, Crewe, England

"If Alex Ferguson retires I will be so sad as he is the most epic manager in the world. If he retires I think Man United should hire the current Bayern Munich or Real Madrid manager."

Christopher, Kirkintilloch, Scotland

"He has been a great manager so far at Manchester United and Aberdeen. He should manage for one more season, then retire. My granddad used to work beside him!"

Joe, Aberdour, Scotland

"I think he should stay a bit longer as I support Man United and I want us to win another title and he is the best manager in the Premier League and even maybe the world!"

James, Great Barr, England

"Please don't let Alex retire, he is one of the best managers in the football business. If he leaves then Man United will probably fall to pieces and as a supporter I want them to be at their best."

Beatrice, Mortlake, England

"He should retire. Sir Alex has been a manager for United for 26 years. It is time that he should retire."

Arjun, Cambridge, England

"He should go because then Liverpool and clubs like that can finally beat Manchester United!"

Ash, Malvern, England