It must be an odd experience, even for someone as single-minded as the Scot, for his 1499th game as United boss will also be his last at the ground he has watched the development of into one of the finest in the world since his arrival in 1986, when the Stretford End was still mostly terrace and all four sides of the stadium had some form of standing.

Ferguson has already decided he will not speak publicly ahead of the game, preferring instead to address supporters ahead of the trophy presentation after the final whistle. Yet the build-up to such a significant occasion has been overshadowed by the imminent appointment of Moyes.