Throughout his 27-year stint in charge of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson oversaw countless victories which were achieved thanks to late goals.

Indeed, Ferguson's finest moment at the helm - the 1999 treble - was secured thanks to two stoppage-time goals in the Champions League final at Camp Nou.

So, it seemed somewhat fitting that the Scot would bow out at Old Trafford two years ago today in similar fashion.

Having announced his impending retirement in the wake of a 13th Premier League title triumph, Ferguson's final home game as manager of United would be against a Swansea City side that had impressed under the guidance of Michael Laudrup.

On what was an emotional afternoon in Manchester, the deadlock was broken in the 39th minute by United frontman Javier Hernandez.

Swansea defender Ashley Williams made a hash of clearing Robin van Persie's cross and Hernandez pounced to fire a low shot beyond the reach of Gerhard Tremmel.

Yet the Welsh visitors had not come to make up the numbers, and looked to have played the role of party poopers when Michu turned in Nathan Dyer's cross in the 49th minute.

However, with just three minutes left to play, United centre-back Rio Ferdinand ensured that his manager, who had signed him for £30m back in 2002, would have the perfect send-off.

The away side failed to clear a corner and when the ball dropped kindly for Ferdinand six yards from goal, he powered his shot into the net, much to the delight of all those inside Old Trafford.

Addressing the crowd after the final whistle, Ferguson said: "Everyone at the club and you the fans have been the most fantastic experience of my life.

"Thank you. I have been very fortunate to manage some of the greatest players in the country. These players have won the championship in fantastic fashion. Well done to them."

Meanwhile, match-winner Ferdinand added: "The manager leaving after all this time, he deserves this type of send-off. It was nice to get on the scoresheet. Everyone else has scored, so I just smashed it home."

The game also marked a final Old Trafford appearance for veteran midfielder Paul Scholes after 19 years of distinguished service.

Man United: De Gea; Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand, Jones; Carrick, Scholes (Anderson), Kagawa, Welbeck (Valencia); Hernandez (Giggs), Van Persie

Swansea: Tremmel; Taylor, Chico, Williams, Tiendalli; Hernandez, Britton, De Guzman, Routledge, Dyer; Michu