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Eight Years Ago Today, Sir Alex Ferguson Walked Out As Man Utd Manager At Old Trafford One Last Time

Eight Years Ago Today, Sir Alex Ferguson Walked Out As Man Utd Manager At Old Trafford One Last Time

Not a dry eye in the stadium.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

On this day in 2013, an emotional Old Trafford rose to its feet as the great Sir Alex Ferguson walked out as manager of Manchester United for one final time.

Following the announcement of his shock retirement days earlier, United's most successful manager celebrated his 723rd game in charge of United with a dramatic last minute win against Swansea City.

But just before kick-off, the 71-year-old was given the most incredible of tributes as 70,000 red flags waved in unison to the song "My Way" by Frank Sinatra.

Just take a took at this. Goosebumps.

In terms of the result, Ferguson's men secured all three points after defender Rio Ferdinand scored in the final minutes to secure a memorable 2-1 win against Michael Laudrup's Swansea side.

Ferdinand recently spoke about what teammate Nemanja Vidic told him afterwards in the dressing room.

"Rio, do you know what you have just done? You scored the boss' last ever goal at Old Trafford. History man."

After the full-time whistle, as United players and fans celebrated the club's 20th league title, Ferguson gave a moving speech to the thousands in attendance.

"I've got absolutely no script in my mind, I'm just going to ramble on and hope I get to the core of what this football club has meant to me." he said.

"First of all, it's a thank you to Manchester United. Not just the directors, not just the medical staff, not just the coaching staff, the players or the supporters, it's all of you. You have been the most fantastic experience of my life.

"I have been very fortunate. I've been able to manage some of the greatest players in the country, let alone Manchester United. All these players here today have represented our club the proper way - they've won the championship in a fantastic fashion. Well done to the players.

"My retirement doesn't mean the end of my life with the club. I'll be able to now enjoy watching them rather than suffer with them.

"But, if you think about it, those last-minute goals, the comebacks, even the defeats, are all part of this great football club of ours. It's been an unbelievable experience for all of us, so thank you for that.

Image: PA
Image: PA

"I'd also like to remind you that when we had bad times here, the club stood by me, all my staff stood by me, the players stood by me. Your job now is to stand by our new manager. That is important.

"Before I start bubbling, I just want to pay tribute to Paul Scholes, who retires today. He's unbelievable; one of the greatest players this club has ever had and will ever have.

"Paul we wish you a good retirement and I know you'll be around annoying me! Also I'd like to wish Darren Fletcher a speedy comeback to our club.

"The players... I wish the players every success in the future. You know how good you are, you know the jersey you're wearing, you know what it means to everyone here and don't ever let yourself down. The expectation is always there.

"I'm going home, well, I'm going inside for a while, and I want to say thank you again from all the Ferguson family. They're all up there, 11 grandchildren - thank you."

A true legend of the game.

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League