Sir Alex: I made decision to retire last Christmas

Ferguson announced on Wednesday morning that he had decided to quit at the end of this season after nearly 27 years as Manchester United manager.

His final game at Old Trafford was yesterday’s 2-1 win over Swansea, which was followed by his 13th Premier League trophy presentation.

There have been plenty of questions asked about when Ferguson made up his mind to go, with some wondering whether he had been eased out given last week’s programme notes, in which he insisted he was staying, or whether it had something to do with his health.

However, speaking to Sky Sports, Ferguson insisted neither theory was true.

“I decided at Christmas,’’ he said.

“Cathy’s sister died. She had lost her best friend and she has been isolated. For 47 years she has been the leader of the family. She has made a lot of sacrifices for me.’’ It was a touching reference to his wife, who has been responsible for bringing up their three children as Ferguson powered along as the most successful British manager of all time.

And he admitted the news nearly slipped out on a couple of occasions before the public announcement, which came a day after the intense rumours about his future first surfaced.

“It was difficult to keep it a secret,’’ he said.

“Sometimes we nearly blurted it out to the family and we told our sons in March but my brother didn’t know until Tuesday.

“I wanted to tell the players first and also my staff. Unfortunately there were rumours going around on Tuesday so we started to speed it up a bit.’’ Now the challenge of standing in Ferguson’s mighty footsteps falls to David Moyes, whom the Scot urged supporters to stand by during his on-pitch post-game address prior to the trophy being handed over.

“I would like to remind you this club stood by me in bad times, the players and the staff,’’ he said.

“Your job now is to stand by the new manager.’’ Ferguson also paid personal tribute to Paul Scholes, who started yesterday’s game and will also retire in the summer, and Darren Fletcher, who continues his recovery from a chronic bowel condition.

And he insisted he would still be a regular presence at Old Trafford.

“I will be able to go along and watch them rather than suffer with them,’’ he said.

‘‘Those last-minute goals, the comebacks and even the defeats are part of this great football club. It has been an unbelievable experience.

‘‘I have been fortunate to manage some of the greatest player in this country, let alone Manchester United.

‘‘They have represented our club in the proper way.’’ Ferguson said he had no speech in mind and would just ramble on before admitting at one point that he might start bubbling.

“I wish the players every success,’’ he said.

“I know how good you are.

You know the jersey you are wearing and you know what it means to everyone here.

“Do not let yourselves down.’’ Javier Hernandez put United ahead yesterday and though Michu equalised just after half-time, Rio Ferdinand’s 87th-minute winner ensured a fitting climax to Ferguson’s Old Trafford experience, which has left new arrival Robin van Persie spellbound even though he has only been at the club for a year.

“It was a really sad day when Sir Alex told us what was happening,’’ said Van Persie.

Ferguson was not the only person to bid farewell to Old Trafford.

As is his style, Scholes disappeared into the shadows quietly, having returned to the fray for his farewell appearance after a three-and-ahalf month absence.

But in the same way as Ferguson made his mark on Van Persie, so did 38-year-old Scholes.

‘‘Scholesy is unbelievable,’’ said Van Persie.

‘‘When I first came to England I saw things I never saw before from players like Bergkamp, Henry and Pires.

“Since I came here, I have that feeling again. Scholesy can do things I have never seen in my life.’’

‘We’ll not let Rooney leave’

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has confirmed Wayne Rooney had asked for a transfer from Manchester United after admitting the England star was not keen to play against Swansea.

Ferguson, taking charge of United for the final time at Old Trafford before retiring, dropped a bombshell by leaving Rooney out of the matchday squad.

And later he gave his reasons, telling Sky Sports: “I don’t think Wayne was keen to play simply because he had asked for a transfer. He wants to think it through in his mind, which is a good idea.’’ Although Ferguson is standing down, to be replaced by Everton boss David Moyes, he insisted Rooney would not be allowed to leave the Premier League champions.

UNCERTAIN FUTURE: Wayne Rooney with wife, Coleen, and son, Kai, enjoying the title celebrations

‘‘We are not going to let him go, but he is a little bit frustrated at being taken off once or twice in the last few weeks.’’ Boos from Red Devils supporters when the 27-year-old stepped forward to collect his fifth championship-winning medal indicated the rank and file support are not too impressed with the conduct of a player who very publicly asked for a move in 2010.

However, former United defender Gary Neville, working yesterday as a television pundit, said: “Wayne is an emotional lad and you can see in the last couple of months he hasn’t quite been himself.”