Fergie's retirement news left Man U 'speechless', says 'retiring' Ferdinand

Retiring Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has said that the news about the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson from the post of manager had left them speechless with shock.

Ferdinand, who announced his retirement from the international scene after winning 81 caps, said that although there were rumours about Ferguson's impending retirement, none of the players took them seriously, the Mirror reports.

Stating that the players were confident about Ferguson staying back at Old Trafford, Ferdinand said that there were many good things going on at United that was waiting to happen with the Scot at the helm, adding that there was a stunned silence in the meeting room after Ferguson announced that he was leaving after 26 years of service.

According to Ferdinand, the reaction was a combination of disappointment, but respect as well for the manager's decision for what he has done for the club and the players, adding that Ferguson deserved his rest as he had been in the game for a long time.

Ferdinand further said that the team will have to prove themselves under the new manager David Moyes as he will be coming with a new set of rules and impose a new regime at the club, adding that veteran players like himself, Ryan Giggs will be on the same boat as youngsters like Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones and Tom Cleverley.

On the subject of his impending retirement, Ferdinand said that he owed it to United to call time on his England career, adding that it was not an easy decision to make.

According to the veteran, although to put aside his career is a momentous decision for him as he is passionate about the game and playing for England, it had become necessary as he found out that he is no longer physically able to withstand the rigours of the game.

Michael Carrick beat favourite Robin van Persie to be crowned United's Player of the Year at Wednesday night's awards do at Old Trafford, the report added.