Manchester United confirm that Alex Ferguson will retire at the end of the season

The rumours were true, Alex Ferguson will step down as Manchester United boss at the end of the season.

At 71, and after over 26 years at the helm, Alex Ferguson has confirmed he will retire from the club at the end of the season.

Last night the Telegraph ran the story and now the Manchester United press office has confirmed the news with this tweet.

Thoughts will now turn to who will step in as the Fergie era is over.

Here's the full statement from the club:

NYSE: MANU.  Manchester, UK. Sir Alex Ferguson will retire at the end of the season, Manchester United announced today.

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.

Announcing his decision to retire, Sir Alex Ferguson said:

“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.

“It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so. The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one.

“Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world.

“Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both Director and Ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.

“I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential. My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career,