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Ferguson: Celebrations better than '99

Sir Alex Ferguson quits as a champion © PA Photos

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Sir Alex Ferguson says he has enjoyed an "amazing" last week in the Manchester United hotseat and believes the celebrations have surpassed those seen for the 1999 Treble-winning team.

In the final pre-match press conference of his reign at Old Trafford, Ferguson reflected on a week that saw his emotional final game at Old Trafford and an open-top bus parade through Manchester with the club's 13th Premier League trophy.

"It's been an amazing last week," Ferguson said. "I have been overwhelmed. Sunday was unbelievable and, as for the parade on Monday, I thought '99 could not be beaten. But, this time, seeing all the people on the scaffolding was incredible. I think it was better than '99.

"The memories are all there in 26 years at United. The whole thing. The day I came here was a privilege. The day I leave, I feel honoured."

Ferguson revealed that despite leaving the world of football management behind, a busy schedule still awaits him in retirement.

"I haven't thought about what life will be like," Ferguson said. "I'm driven to take on other challenges right away. I've got the LMA meeting on Monday and then I'm going to Newmarket for two days on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"I'll go on holiday on June 4 and the Derby's before that on June 1. I'll have my holidays for a month and then the operation and then the season will start. I'll be alright."

Ferguson's final game, his 1,500th as United boss, is against West Brom at The Hawthorns this Sunday, with the Scot hoping the team he fields helps him go out in style

"1,500 games - it's incredible," Ferguson said. "West Brom have done fantastically [well], every team wants to win their last home game and obviously I want to win this one more than last week's even.

"I don't have any injury problems. I'll make a few changes - maybe a few younger players will play. Anders [Lindegaard] will be in goal. I don't have Rafael so I need to make a decision about right-back.

"I want to play [Phil] Jones and [Jonny] Evans at centre-back - they could be the future. Rio [Ferdinand] and [Nemanja] Vidic will have to have a place on the bench. I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be great."

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