Tributes, jokes and speculation flood in as Twitter reacts to Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement
Social networks were flooded with tributes after Manchester United announced Sir Alex Ferguson will retire from his managerial role at the club after 26 years.The 71-year-old Scotsman won 38 trophies during his tenure at the club, including twice winning the Champions League, 13 Premership titles, five FA Cups and five League Cups, securing his place as a Manchester United legend and one of the most respected figures in the game.It's understood the Telegraph journalist Mark Ogden was the first with the scoop, with the Manchester United press office confirming the news on Wednesday morning.The club's website took marketing advantage of the massive news, setting up a requirement on the website to sign up before readers could view the press release.On Twitter, the news was met with tributes, humour and speculation has already begun on who will replace Sir Alex.
Legend: Sir Alex Ferguson steps down after 26 years
Sir Alex Ferguson retires. #thankyousiralex
— ManUtd_PressOffice (@ManUtd_PO) May 8, 2013Sir Alex Ferguson announces his retirement after 26 years, and 38 trophies, at the club: bit.ly/10asoQE #c4news
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) May 8, 2013Breaking: Soccer club Manchester United says manager Alex Ferguson is retiring at the end of season. wsj.com
— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) May 8, 2013Sir Alex Ferguson will bow out after WBA game on 19th May and join football club board: bit.ly/YECGub. #thankyousiralex
— ManUtd_PressOffice (@ManUtd_PO) May 8, 2013Alex Ferguson on his #MUFC role after retirement: "I am delighted to take on the roles of both director and ambassador for the club"
— Oliver Kay (@OliverKayTimes) May 8, 2013What a loss to Football. Tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson, his legacy will be unmatched.True legend. Coaching at another level.
— Kalusha Bwalya (@KalushaPBwalya) May 8, 2013Goodbye Sir Alex - we shan't see your like again bit.ly/13h7zEi
— Mark Ferguson (@Markfergusonuk) May 8, 2013In all seriousness, what a tenure, one we'll never ever see again. A winner, a fascinating leader, constantly evolving. A true legend #MUFC
— Roberto Kusabbi (@RKTweets) May 8, 2013After the thanks came the speculation, with David Moyes and Jose Mourinho topping the initial lists.Sir Alex Ferguson’s resignation announced via a Tweet an hour ago. Since then there has been more than 1.4m mentions of the news on Twitter.
— Twitter Sports (@TwitterSports) May 8, 2013Alex Ferguson's retirement at the end of the season confirmed by MUFC. I wonder who will replace him??
— Andy Deans (@AndyDeans) May 8, 2013Now Man U have confirmed Fergie,71, is going the spotlight turns to his successor. Money is piling on fellow Scot David Moyes. #mufc #efc
— Brian McNally (@McNallyMirror) May 8, 2013Jose to #Chelsea looked nailed on but Fergie's hand grenade may cause all parties to think again. Mourinho to #mufc would be an ideal fit.
— Brian McNally (@McNallyMirror) May 8, 2013Remember we brought you this Sir Alex story to you FIRST on a quiet Bank Holiday Monday morning!! twitter.com/tudjones/statu… #MUFC
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) May 8, 2013There's always room for a joke on Twitter.Now comes Jose Mourinho ... I would bet the house on it. every penny. #ManUtd
— lawrencedonegan (@lawrencedonegan) May 8, 2013EXCLUSIVE: Share price of Wrigley's chewing gum plummets overnight on the back of Sir Alex Ferguson retirement rumours. #MUFC
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) May 8, 2013And you can always rely on The Drum to keep you informed...Alex Ferguson retirement plan hits unexpected snag as referee adds 4 months injury time.
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) May 8, 2013You've probably not seen this elsewhere on Twitter: Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson is to retire.
— The Drum (@TheDrum) May 8, 2013