NEW : Sales of Manchester United fell nearly 5 % in early trading following the news . Ferguson is retiring after the last game of the season on May 31 , after eight years in charge . The decision to retire was not taken lightly , but this ` ` is the right time , '' Ferguson says . NEW : Everton manager David Moyes is the odds - on favorite to succeed Ferguson .
NEW : Shares of Manchester United drop nearly 5 % in early trading following the news . Ferguson is retiring after the last game of the season on May 19 , after 26 years in charge . The decision to retire was not taken lightly , but this `` is the right time , '' Ferguson says . NEW : Everton manager David Moyes is the odds-on favorite to succeed Ferguson .