Fergie leads Scholes, Owen and others on 'retirement road' following 'farewell' draw with West Brom

Sir Alex Ferguson had led the way to a day packed with goodbyes after he bid farewell to Manchester United with 1500 games in charge after a record breaking 5-5 draw with West Bromich Albion.

Following the Scot, football icons Paul Scholes, Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher, Steve Harper and Stilyan Petrov also drew curtains on their illustrious careers, the Mirror reports.

However, the report added, it was Ferguson whose retirement made the most impact, adding that the 71-year-old retired 'emotional' but 'fully satisfied' having enjoyed a guard of honour at West Brom before kick-off and soaking up the applause at the final whistle.

Ferguson, whose entire family was there to witness his final game after taking charge back in 1986, will be succeeded by outgoing Everton boss David Moyes, the report further said.

Thanking Ferguson for his contributions, United star Michael Carrick said that he is sure that the Scot can retire fully satisfied, adding that the United players are ready to move on from his era and accept the challenge of a new era under Moyes.

Meanwhile, the report added, United midfield maestro Paul Scholes came on as a substitute and collected the 97th booking of his career in his final appearance, while Liverpool star Jamie Carragher also said his goodbyes in his 737th and last game for the club against Queens Park Rangers.

Another England legend Michael Owen, who also ended his career on that day

aged 33 with Stoke City in a game against Southampton, said that his game was based on pace and a predatory instinct, adding that he felt that it was time to retire as he has started losing that pace.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper was another to join the retirement list, while Aston Villa player Stilyan Petrov ended his career because of a strong fight against acute leukemia, the report added.