British newspapers hailed Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson as arguably the greatest football coach in the history of the game, after he dramatically announced he was retiring after nearly 27 years in charge.
Ferguson was an exceptional personality who "could have been a great leader in any field he chose. Manchester United were lucky he chose football", the Daily Telegraph said.
Even the Financial Times led its front page with the Ferguson story, saying he had given a "26-year masterclass in dealing with clashing personalities".
The Sun made a more humourous reference to his man-management skills by giving over its entire front page to a photograph of a red hairdryer adorned with the United club badge and a smaller picture of Ferguson berating someone.
It was a reference to the manager's infamous dressing-downs of his players and referees, likened by former United striker Mark Hughes to a blast from a "hairdryer".
All the papers agreed that David Moyes was set to take on the daunting task of succeeding Ferguson, despite the fact he has not won a single trophy in 11 years managing Everton in contrast to the 38 trophies Ferguson won at United.
"Thirty-eight nil is a pasting in anyone's book," jibed The Times.
"But, rather than the more flamboyant and successful option of Jose Mourinho, Moyes, who discovered Wayne Rooney, is the heir apparent to a man worshipped by 650 million fans," it added.
Many papers said 50-year-old Moyes was being hired with the blessing of his fellow Scot Ferguson.
Ferguson, 71, was "choked" with emotion as he announced his decision to stand down to his players, then coaches and the backroom staff at United's training base on Wednesday morning, several reports said.
