Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Sir Alex Ferguson, 71, manager of Manchester United football club for over 26 years, announced his retirement on Wednesday, sending shockwaves around social media portals.

Many players, newsreaders, fans and sportsmen expressed great disappointment and said nobody will be able to match his footsteps or replicate the legacy he created.

Twitter UK reported in the hour following Sir Alex Ferguson's resignation, there were more than 1.4 million mentions of the news on Twitter. Trending topics on Twitter worldwide were #SirAlexFerguson #ManchesterUnited #ThankYouSirAlex.

Ferguson gave Manchester United 26 years, 13 Premier League Titles, 10 Community Shields, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, and 2 European Cups.

Prime Minister David Cameron described Ferguson's record as "exceptional". United chief executive David Gill also paid tribute to the retiring Ferguson and said working with the Scot had been the "greatest experience" of his career.

Roger Cohen from New York times tweeted: "This is way bigger than the Pope. Sir Alex Ferguson retires. #fergieretires"  

Premier League Chief Exec Richard Scudamore said: "No one has made as great a contribution to the Premier League than Sir Alex Ferguson."

Hamza (@dexterous_blade), 27, tweeted from Jeddah: "I have never felt this kind of a loss. He has been there since 1986. Heartbroken." 

Former England captain Paul Ince, said: "His standards were so high. He was so demanding. Yes, we had our ups and down. The way he treated me was like a son." 

Football rivals Arsenal tweeted: "Everyone at Arsenal wishes Sir Alex Ferguson health and happiness following the announcement of his retirement as Manchester United manager."

"He was very similar to my father in a way, there was that element of fear there, which is good to have," Fox Sports expert Mark Bosnich said.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon said "the game just won't be the same without Sir Alex. What he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be forgotten."

Champions League winning goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said: "It's come as an absolute bombshell. I'm sad and disappointed."

Alexander Vlahos tweeted: "Gutted. Absolutely gutted. The word 'legend' gets used far too often nowadays, but he truly is a legend."

Manchester United player Clayton Blackmore, said: I heard the rumors yesterday but I didn't want to believe them," he said. "Twenty seven years trying to win every single game is real pressure. He will now have a bit of time to sit back and enjoy Old Trafford. I'm sure the manager knows who is going to replace him."

Rory Mcilroy tweeted: "An end of an era today! Sir Alex Ferguson, the greatest of all time! United will have a tough time trying to replace him!"

Manchester United fan Richard Skully, 27, said: "I was walking past taking my school kids to the cricket ground when someone told me. I didn't believe them at first but then on my phone I had about 12 messages saying 'Oh my God.' It's (a) complete shock. I didn't think he'd ever retire, I thought he'd carry on unless told to retire through ill health, I thought he'd just die at the ground. I think it'll probably be David Moyes or Jose Mourinho that takes over but I would like to see Jurgen Klopp, he's the best man for the job. Fergie came here the year I was born and I've never seen anything different. Not seeing him on the touchline will be weird. I don't think anyone will surpass what he's done and he'll still have an influence at the club."