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 . `` Alex 's vision , energy and ability have built teams -- both on and off the pitch -- that his successor can count on as among the best and most loyal in world sport . '' NEW : Former England manager Fabio Capello has been appointed as new boss at Old Trafford.
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 : Former England manager Fabio Capello has been appointed as new boss at Old Trafford.