Sir Alex leads tributes for outgoing David Gill

United confirmed in a statement released on their official website yesterday morning that Gill is to leave his post on  30 June, with his duties being taken on by executive vice- chairman Ed Woodward.

Gill, who joined the Red  Devils as their finance director in February 1997 and assumed the role of chief executive in September 2003, is to remain as a club director.

As part of the statement, Ferguson said: “David has been a magnificent chief executive. Of course, we have had a million arguments, but I have always  enjoyed them because I know that David has two great qualities: he is straight and he always puts Manchester United first.

“No disagreement is ever  personal with him. He always wants the best for United, whether it is the players, the training ground or the staff.

“Him stepping down is a big loss to me, but the fact that he is staying on the board encourages me that the reason for his  departure is heartfelt and that he believes it is time for the club to move on. If I could have found a way of persuading him to stay I would love to have done that. But he has made his decision and I respect him for it.”

Speaking about his decision, Gill stressed his belief that “all businesses need to refresh themselves with new management and ideas”.

The 55-year-old – who was appointed vice-chairman of  the Football Association last  October and is their nominee for the Uefa Executive Committee elections in May – said: “It has been the greatest privilege to serve Manchester United for  16 wonderful years – the last ten of which as chief executive.

“I have worked alongside the finest manager in the history of the game and been part of what I consider to be the best club in the best sport in the world.

“It has been a very hard  decision because I love this club and, as the fans’ banner says, it is ‘more than a religion’. However, I have always been conscious of the fact that, as a member  of staff, I was always just a temporary custodian of this marvellous institution.

“I am also of the view that all businesses need to refresh themselves with new management and ideas and, after ten years in charge, I believe it is appropriate for someone new to pick up  the baton.

“I am looking forward to continuing my involvement on the club board. And I hope to be able to make a contribution to the game on a wider national and European level.”

Woodward, who has been with United since 2005,  described it as a “great honour” to be taking on his new responsibilities. He added: “I am  particularly humbled to have the chance to work alongside the greatest manager in the  history of the game.

“Alex’s experience and track record are incomparable and I look forward to having the  opportunity to support him  in shaping his squad in the  future and maintaining the club’s position at the pinnacle of the sport.

“I’d like to thank David for his help and guidance over  recent years, which has helped  to develop and hone my experience at the highest level of  club football.”

Gill was also commended by United co-chairman Joel Glazer. “David has played a significant role in the success of Manchester United in his ten years as chief executive and he can take great satisfaction in all that has been achieved on his watch, both on and off the field,” Glazer said.  “I am very pleased he has agreed to remain on the board, so that his experience and counsel is not lost to us.

“I hope that the decision he has made will be to the benefit of the game in Europe as a whole, as he seeks election to Uefa’s Executive Committee.”

During Gill’s tenure, United have won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups and the 2008 Champions League.

DAVID GILL FACTFILE

1957: Born in Reading, on  5 August.

1997: February: Joins the Manchester United board as finance director, having previously worked for Price Waterhouse, the BOC Group, Avis, Proudfoot Consulting and First Choice Holidays.

2000: Appointed deputy chief executive at United.

2001: Promoted to group managing director.

2003: Takes over as chief executive at Old Trafford following the departure of Peter Kenyon to Chelsea.

2012: October: Appointed vice-chairman of the Football Association.

2013: Yesterday: Announces that he will step down as chief executive of United  plc on 30 June 2013, but  will remain a director of  the football club.