Sir Alex Ferguson asked the fans to back their new manager David Moyes when he takes charge of Manchester United in the summer.

Speaking for the first time after announcing his retirement at the end of the season, Ferguson made an emotional speech in front of the Old Trafford faithful following Manchester United's 2-1 win over Swansea in the English Premier League - his final home game in charge before calling it a day.

Moyes has been given the unenviable job of trying to fill the rather large boots of Ferguson - the Premier League's most successful manager by a country mile.

However, Ferguson asked the United supporters to stand behind their new manger, even if things might not be going according to plan.

"I'd like to remind you that when we had bad times here, the club stood by me, all my staff stood by me, the players stood by me," he said.

"And your job now is to stand by our new manager."

Ferguson, as has always been the case, was quick to praise all the players and staff for the success the club has achieved during his near 27-year reign, calling it the "most fantastic experience of his life."

"I've got absolutely no script in my mind, I'm just going to ramble on and hope I get to the core of what this football club's meant to be," Ferguson said.

"First of all, it's a thank you to Manchester United. Not just the directors, not just the medical staff, not just the coaching staff, the players or the supporters, it's all of you. You have been the most fantastic experience of my life.

"I have been very fortunate to manage some of the greatest players in the country, let alone Manchester United. All these players here today have represented your club the proper way - they've won the championship in a fantastic fashion. Well done to the players.

"My retirement doesn't mean the end of my relationship with the club, I'm able to now enjoy watching them rather than suffering with them.

"If you think about it, those last-minute goals, the comebacks, even the defeats, are all part of this great football club of ours. It's been unbelievable, thank you for that."

The 71-year-old paid special tribute to Paul Scholes, who was also playing his final game as a United player at Old Trafford.

"Before I start blubbering, I just want to pay tribute to Paul Scholes... he's unbelievable, one of the greatest players this club has ever had and will ever have," Ferguson said.

"Paul, we wish you a good retirement and I know you'll be around to annoy me! Also I'd just like you to join me in wishing Darren Fletcher a speedy recovery.

"The players... I wish the players every success in the future. You know how good you are, you know the jersey you're wearing, you know what it means to everyone here and don't ever let yourself down.

"The expectation is always there. I'm going home, well, I'm going inside for a while, and I want to say thank you again from all the Ferguson family. Thank you."