Sir Alex Ferguson: "It is the right time"

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that he will be leaving Old Trafford with the club in the "strongest possible shape".

Ferguson announced on Wednesday morning that he would retire as manager of the club after a 26-year career, and the 71-year-old believes that he will be leaving the club at the "right time".

In a statement, 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."

The Scot has won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cup trophies, four League Cups and two Champions Leagues during his time at United.