Fergie, Carragher prepare to bow out
The Premier League will bid farewell to a host of high-profile characters when the 2012-13 season concludes on Sunday, with legendary Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher among the figures taking their leave of the sport.
Ferguson will take charge of United for the 1,500th and final time at West Bromwich Albion, where veteran midfielder Paul Scholes could also make his last appearance for the champions after simultaneously announcing his retirement last week.
An 87th-minute goal from Rio Ferdinand against Swansea City last weekend gave Ferguson victory in his final home game at Old Trafford, and he is desperate to bow out with another win at The Hawthorns.
Ferguson’s successor-in-waiting, David Moyes, will end his 11-year association with Everton at Chelsea, who on Wednesday claimed a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Benfica in the final of the Europa League.
Moyes, to take over from Ferguson on a six-year contract on July 1, said he was grateful to the players who have played under him.
“The memories I’ve got from Everton are going to live with me for a long time. I often think how lucky I am to not only have great players, but great men. For that, I thank them all.”
The trip to Stamford Bridge will also mark Everton captain Phil Neville’s last game for the club, although he will not play due to injury.
United’s Michael Owen will hope to feature in Stoke City’s game at Southampton after announcing that he, too, will retire at the end of the season.
Liverpool’s fans, meanwhile, are preparing to say goodbye to long-serving defender Carragher, set to make his 737th and final appearance at home to QPR.
There is also a possibility that Chelsea and Arsenal will end the season level on points, goal difference and goals scored, which would force a play-off to decide which club finishes third and qualify for the Champions League.
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