Old Trafford prepares for Ferguson farewell as United plays final home game before retirement

LONDON – For almost 27 years, Old Trafford has witnessed Alex Ferguson venting his anger from the dugout, berating officials, anxiously checking his watch and making celebratory jigs down the touchline.

On Sunday, 76,000 fans have one final chance to witness — and savour — the most successful manager in British football history taking charge of Manchester United on home soil.

With the 13th Premier League of Ferguson’s reign wrapped up last month, the Swansea match is effectively meaningless, but the United players will want to give their retiring manager a suitable send-off from Old Trafford.

The 71-year-old Ferguson is yet to explain why he is retiring.

But former England coach Fabio Capello says “I called him and he told me that he decided this way because of excess stress.”