London: Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond has hailed Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, saying his trophy haul at unfancied Aberdeen proved that he was one of football’s all-time great managers.
Salmond has told AFP that while the Scot had won virtually every title available at United, his earlier achievements proved they were not simply down to the English champions’ might.
While at Aberdeen between 1978 and 1986, Ferguson managed to break the dominance of Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers — who have won every title since.
“He’s had a fantastic career,” Hearts supporter Salmond said.
“I’m pleased he’s managed to catch everyone by surprise because I know he’ll be pleased!”
1105 GMT: Reaction via Twitter to the announcement of Ferguson’s departure from Chelsea and Arsenal, two London clubs with a long history of rivalry with United.
1055 GMT: French striker Louis Saha, who played for United from 2004 to 2008 and is currently with Rome club Lazio, is full of praise for his former boss:
“Wow S A Ferguson leaving. Hope is health ok. He is the most powerful man i ever met in my life after my dad. Huge respect for Football God,” Saha wrirtes via his official Twitter handle @louissaha08.
1040 GMT: Everton boss David Moyes has emerged as the early front-runner to replace Alex Ferguson as manager at Manchester United.
Moyes has been linked to the Old Trafford vacancy by British media reports and is currently odds-on favourite for the post with all of Britain’s major high street bookmakers.
The Scot has long been spoken of with admiration by his compatriot Ferguson for his work on a tight budget at Everton, but has not won a major trophy since taking charge of the Liverpool-based club in 2002.
Others in the running for the United job include Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho — currently second favourite for the job — who established a friendly rivalry with Ferguson when in charge of Chelsea and has made no secret of his desire to return to England.
1018 GMT: Fifa president Sepp Blatter has given his reaction to Ferguson’s departure:
“Just heard Sir Alex Ferguson is retiring at end of season. His achievements in the game place him without doubt as one of the ‘greats’. Was honour to present Sir Alex with award at 2011 Ballon D’Or. Will his longevity at the top ever be repeated?”
1011 GMT: Most UK high street bookmakers have slashed the odds on current Everton boss David Moyes becoming the next manager of Manchester United, from around 11/10 40 minutes ago to between 1/4 and 1/8.
The price on Jose Mourinho getting the job has widely drifted out to 7/2 from 6/4 over the same period.
1003 GMT: Vincent Kompany, captain of United’s fierce rivals Manchester City, is gracious in his praise of Ferguson:
“Sir Alex, one of the best managers of all time. After 26 years of success in the game, we all owe him a tribute,” Kompany posts on @VincentKompany.
1000 GMT: “Disappointed, shocked, sad. Didn’t think THAT day would be today,” writes former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel of Ferguson’s departure via @Pschmeichel.
0955 GMT: Former United and England midfielder Paul Ince describes Ferguson as one of a kind and says finding a replacement will not be easy.
Current Blackpool manager Ince told Sky Sports News: “He’s done the lot, you will never see anyone of his kind again.”
When Ince joined United from West Ham in 1989 Ferguson made sure his move was not ended because of a problem with his medical.
“I remember the first day that I joined Man Utd. I failed my medical and I thought my move to Man Utd was going to collapse. The way he treated me was like a son and I will never forget that moment.”
0950 GMT: Ed Miliband, leader of Britain’s main opposition Labour party, has also given his reaction to the departure of Ferguson, a lifelong Labour supporter:
“Proud man. Great manager. Staunch Labour Party supporter. Sir Alex Ferguson will never be forgotten,” he posts on @Ed_Miliband.
One especially cruel reader @Dan Hose replies: “He’s not dead, Ed.”
0943 GMT: British Prime Minister David Cameron has praised Ferguson in a post on his official Twitter handle @David_Cameron, though jokingly says hopes the Scot’s impending departure will improve the chances of the relegation-threatened Aston Villa side he supports:
“Sir Alex Ferguson’s achievement at MUFC has been exceptional. Hopefully his retirement will make life a little easier for my team AVFC.”
0935 GMT: Current Everton manager David Moyes is favourite with most UK high street bookmakers to succeed Ferguson at United, with most of them pricing him at 11/10 to fill the role.
Current Real Madrid and former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is widely priced at 6/4 for the job while Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp stands between 7/1 and 8/1.
0930 GMT: Joel Glazer, joint chairman of the Manchester United board with brother Avie, says in a statement released by the club that the 2008 Champions League final penalty shootout success over Chelsea was one of the highlights among many memories.
“I will always cherish the wonderful memories he has given us, like that magical night in Moscow.”
Avie Glazer said: “I am delighted to announce that Alex has agreed to stay with the Club as a director.
“His contributions to Manchester United over the last 26 years have been extraordinary and, like all United fans, I want him to be a part of its future.”
0920 GMT: Ferguson’s managerial career began with Scottish lower league club East Stirlingshire in 1974 and saw him win 49 major trophies in all.
The former Glasgow Rangers’ striker forged his reputation in charge of Aberdeen, taking the Dons to a trio of Scottish Premier League titles and the 1983 UEFA Cup’ Winners Cup before joining United in 1986.
0916 GMT: Four of the top worldwide trends on Twitter at the moment relate to Ferguson:
#thankyousiralex
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