By Michael Kelleher & Reece Lawrence
More than 100,000 Manchester United fans turned out to wave an emotional goodbye to Sir Alex Ferguson during the club’s victory parade for their record 20th title.
The parade, which began at Old Trafford and finished at St Albert’s Square, showcased the players in an open-top bus displaying the Premier League trophy.
Ferguson gave a speech in which he thanked United fans for his emotional send-off at Old Trafford yesterday and challenged his players to go and win the title three times in a row.
“This is fantastic,” he said. “I am more pleased for you than anyone else.
“It is a young squad with good young players and a lot of them will get better. The big test is to win the title three times in a row.
“Yesterday was a day I will never forget and I thank you for that.”
Paul Scholes, who will retire at the end of the season, looked emotional as he summed up, in typically contrite fashion, what it means to play for the club.
“It means everything,” he said. “We set out each year to try and win the league and hopefully we do it. We are so proud to play for this club.”
Veteran Ryan Giggs admitted United players have mixed emotions as they ponder life after Ferguson but said they are delighted to be able to send him off in style.
“It has been tough, especially for the players who have known him for a long time,” he said. “We are delighted that we were able to end on a high and won the league in his last season.”
Top-scorer Robin van Persie is savouring his first Premier League victory following his move from Arsenal and said he has no regrets about his decision.
“It feels amazing,” he said. “It has been an unbelievable experience. It has been worth the wait. I have loved every single bit.”
England striker Wayne Rooney received a mixed reception from the Old Trafford faithful following his transfer request but was keen to focus on the positives of a successful campaign.
“It is incredible, much nicer than I expected,” he said. “The medal has not left my neck since yesterday.
“It has been a really good year. The boys have been fantastic since day one.
“They want to share success. I want to have success but I want everyone to have success. Everyone plays their part.”
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