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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson bids emotional farewell to Old Trafford

Image: Sir Alex Ferguson thanked fans after bowing out at Old Trafford

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was an emotional man after signing off at Old Trafford with a 2-1 victory over Swansea.

Ferguson stunned the world by announcing on Wednesday that he would be bringing his managerial career to a close at the end of the season. He shed light on the reasons behind his decision after the match with Swansea, admitting he had made his mind up at Christmas. "Things changed when Cathy's sister died," Ferguson said in a TV interview. "She is isolated a lot now. I owe (Cathy) a lot of my own time. For 47 years, she has been the leader of the family, looked after our three sons, sacrificed herself for me. Now she has all her grandchildren. "She lost her best friend, her sister Bridget, so that was important. Also, I wanted to go out a winner. That's the most important thing I've wanted to be."

Deserved

Rio Ferdinand, who scored the winning goal against Swansea, heaped praise on Ferguson after the Scot said goodbye to Old Trafford and said it was a fitting send-off. "To win at Old Trafford, the man's desire to win football matches, to keep bringing success to the football club, he deserves a win in his last home game," said Ferdinand. "It's obviously a personal thing between the squad and the manager. It's emotional. For us to hear it was devastating but it's a big club and we have to move on. He wants that." Scholes, who will also be retiring at the end of the season, paid tribute to Ferguson and savoured a special occasion as United were also presented with the Premier League trophy. He said: It's been a good day. We've won the game and that was all that mattered. It's always nice to pick a trophy up. We'll celebrate tonight and hope that there are more trophies to come for these players." On Ferguson's post-match speech, the former England playmaker added: "He handled it quite well. You'd have thought it would have been a bit emotional for him but he spoke really well at the end of the game. He's done a fantastic job here. He's just happy now and looking forward." Fellow veteran Ryan Giggs, who has signed a one-year contract to play on, said: "It's always special. It's a great achievement for this team to be as consistent as we have been this year - especially with what happened last year. Great credit to the manager, the fans and the lads. "He said 'just play the game and not the occasion.' We wanted to win in his last game and do all the things that we've done over the years since he's been manager. Robin van Persie claimed it was a "massive honour" to have played even one season for Ferguson. Even though it was only one year and I haven't worked with him a lot, it has been an unbelievable year and he's made such an impact. "He's a great manager and an even greater person. The way he is and the way he works with players, he deserves all the credit because he has been amazing."

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