Rio admits ‘devastation’ over manager’s quit bombshell

Rio Ferdinand was delighted to give Alex Ferguson a winning send-off in his final Old Trafford match as Manchester United manager following the “devastating” news the long-serving Scot would be stepping down at the end of the season.

Ferdinand smashed home an 87th-minute goal to earn United victory over Swansea yesterday to ensure Ferguson finished on a high in his final home match after 26 years in charge.

“To win at Old Trafford, the man’s desire to win football matches, to keep bringing success to the football club, he deserved to have three points in his last home game,” said Ferdinand, who revealed the players’ shock when Ferguson announced to them he was stepping down.