Manchester United: What World Football Will Miss Most from the Iconic Manager

Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement plans on Wednesday morning—and even for the most anti-Manchester United supporter, it was too soon. Ferguson will hand the reins of the English champions over in summer, following a record-breaking spell in charge.

Ferguson provided the Premier League with a dose of home Scottish management that paid off for decades on the pitch, as well as providing Britain with a manager to be proud of.

Here are five things we will miss the most.

1. Rivalry with Other Managers

Though Manchester United are engaged in an eternal battle with rivals such as Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson has built up a few personal rivalries in his time as manager.

Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho in particular will miss the stare-downs and tactical battles but above all, the glory of winning at the end of an epic encounter.

It's fair to say we will miss them, too.

2. The Dedication

There can be no doubting the fact that Sir Alex is one of the most dedicated managers of all time. Under Ferguson, Manchester United players have never delivered two lacklustre performances in a row, because if they did, they would be out of Manchester in a heartbeat.

His managerial style brings the best out of his players, and though at times perhaps extreme, the world can only look back in admiration at what Ferguson managed to bring out of his players week-in, week-out, year after year.

3. The Success

Though most fans will look on in envy whenever United and Ferguson lift a title, there will be a small glint of respect underlying the feelings of envy. The reason for this is simple, most fans respect that whenever Manchester United wins a title, they deserve it.

Ferguson has lead a side to dominance of English football.

Thirteen league titles. Two European Cups. Four League Titles. Five FA Cups.

He has won 38 titles in his managerial career.

Just let that sink in.

Yep. Wow.

Football is bidding goodbye to a legend.

4. The Chance That He May Have One Day Managed England

Ferguson bidding adieu to United is also a farewell to management in general.

For years, the English have watched as their national side struggled through tournaments. Time and time again, fans wished for a solid England manager that was a) British and b) established as a dedicated manager.

Who else could have worked out how best to utilise the best of the English?

It was a dream for some to see Sir Alex lead an England side to a major tournament, but sadly, this dream has finally been crushed.

5. The Infamous Chewing Gum

Alas, the famous chewing gum.

Has anybody seen Sir Alex keep his jaw still?

Sir Alex and his love for gum will be one of the smaller things greatly missed by football.

Thanks for Reding

So, football bids goodbye to one of its most influential figures.

Respect to a legend, you will be sorely missed.

To pay respects and follow Ferguson after retirement, like this official tribute page.