He has been the greatest manager that british football has ever seen. Only a fvckwit would deny that. Acknowledging and respecting his achievements in no way declares any kind of love for the man. I'm glad he's retiring and can't wait to see Utd falter without him, but that doesn't change his stature within the game.
I would agree with most of that Carhex, Fergie knew how to win and he was born to be a winner. Football is the poorer for his retirement. As a fan of his biggest rival in the game I'm relieved that we won't have to face him next season, but as a fan of football I'm sorry to see him out of it. The things he did off the field as well as what he did on it were designed to enhance his club, regardless of whether we as opponents liked it or not, and I'd venture to suggest if it were done by our manager on our behalf, many would be a lot less vocal. The game will not easily see his like again and is the poorer for it. There is nothing wrong with having and stating our respect for our greatest opponent.