Mark Hughes: 'Sir Alex Ferguson timing right'

Mark Hughes has insisted that the time is right for Sir Alex Ferguson to retire as manager of Manchester United.

The 71-year-old Scot announced on Wednesday that he would be stepping down at the end of the season following a successful 26-year reign at the club.

Hughes, who played under Ferguson during two spells at Old Trafford, believes that the right decision has been made.

"As the hours have gone on you would probably say the timing is right for Sir Alex and United," he told Sky Sports News.

"They've had a great season, they've won the title and particularly bearing in mind that they have wrenched the Premier League crown from [Manchester] City which was mightily important for Sir Alex."

Current Everton boss David Moyes is the heavy favourite to take over from Ferguson at United.