Gary Neville has stunned Manchester United fans by announcing his retirement after 20 years with the English club. The 35-year-old defender played his 602nd and final game for United on New Year's Day at West Brom.

"I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I've ever had," he said. "Obviously, I am disappointed that my playing days are at an end. However it comes to us all, and it's knowing when that time is and for me that time is now. I have played in the most incredible football teams, playing with some of the best players in the world as well as against them and I have been lucky to be a part of the team's achievements and the club's great success."

Neville, who has 85 caps for England, has been mentioned as a possible replacement for reserve team manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has returned to Norway to coach Molde.

"Gary was the best English right back of his generation," United manager Alex Ferguson said. "He is an example to any young professional; hard-working, loyal and intelligent. As a United fan born and bred, his fantastic career at Old Trafford has cemented his place in the affection of the club's supporters everywhere."