( CNN ) -- It was as if someone had died . Fans from across the world poured out their grief after English soccer team Manchester United revealed that their legendary manager , Alex Ferguson , is to retire at the end of this season . The showing of emotion was particularly apparent on the mobile photo sharing site Instagram , where fans shared photos of themselves and loved ones in United gear in honor of the famed manager , who steered the club to countless victories both in the UK and abroad . `` When I heard the news I got a tear in my eye , felt like I had been punched in the stomach and contemplated calling in sick to work , '' said Instagram user @ jplubrani , who serves in the military in Los Angeles , California . In Florida , Instagram user @ sosogeed813 said he was `` shocked '' but at the same time was thankful for the legacy that Ferguson will leave the club . Thousands of miles away in Malaysia , Instagram user @ shar316 pictured herself with a commemorative scarf and t-shirt as she reflected Ferguson 's achievements at Old Trafford . `` Seeing my favorite team with another manager next season , that 's gon na be tough , '' she wrote . `` But nonetheless thank you for everything you 've done , Sir Alex ! '' One devastated fan went as far to make his devotion permanent . After hearing the news , Instagram user @ alexbalding went and got a tattoo of a `` Red Devil '' logo -- the team 's nickname . While the accolades poured in for the world 's most famous football club manager , others pondered what life would be like for Manchester United after `` Fergie '' , as he is affectionately known by fans , makes his exit . `` I was very sad to hear the news , but I guess that change might even be good , '' said @ mrsagatha_sari in southern Finland .
Instagram users share photos of themselves and their friends and family emblazoned in Manchester United gear . Tributes posted by ` ` devastated '' fans include a new photo by a user of the social media platform . From Malaysia to Iceland , posts reflect breadth of the fan base for iconic United and its legendary manager .