David Moyes: Alex Ferguson wants Man Utd fans to back new boss

Sir Alex Ferguson wants Manchester United's fans to support David Moyes when he takes over as the club's manager this summer.

The retiring Ferguson made the request as he thanked the club's supporters for an "unbelievable" send-off in his final home game as United boss on Sunday.

"When we had bad times here, everyone stood by me and your job now is to stand by your new manager," he said.

Moyes will leave Everton to join United on a six-year deal from 1 July.

Ferguson became United manager in November 1986 but did not lift a trophy until 1990, when they won the FA Cup.

Despite that lack of initial success, the club's supporters and board stood by him. Now the 71-year-old, who went on to win a total of 38 trophies during his 26-year reign, wants Moyes to be given the same backing.

Ferguson's last game as United boss will be at West Brom on Sunday, his 1,500th in charge of the Red Devils.

On Sunday, his side beat Swansea 2-1 at Old Trafford. Mexican striker Javier Hernandez gave the home side the lead and Rio Ferdinand scored a late winner after Michu had equalised.

Afterwards, Ferguson addressed the 75,572 crowd before he was presented with the Premier League trophy for this season's title triumph.

"Everyone at the club and you the fans have been the most fantastic experience of my life," said the emotional Scot.

"Thank you. I have been very fortunate to manage some of the greatest players in the country. These players have won the championship in fantastic fashion. Well done to them."

Ferguson also revealed more details about his decision to step down.

"I decided to retire last Christmas," said the former St Mirren, Aberdeen and Scotland boss. "Things changed when my wife Cathy's sister died. She has lost her best friend, her sister. Also, I wanted to go out a winner."

He also said it had been "very difficult" to keep his decision a secret

"There were times when we sometimes blurted it out to the family," he said. "We told our sons in March. My brother didn't even know until Tuesday."

Ferguson, who will stay on at Old Trafford as a director and ambassador, added he would not be retiring completely.

"I've got a lot of things to do," he said. "My son, Jason, has been organising things. I won't be sitting still."