Evans: Team shocked by Fergie exit
Jonny Evans has admitted the Manchester United players were stunned to learn of Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement plans on Wednesday morning.
It was suggested the Red Devils squad knew what was going to happen 24 hours earlier at a golf day held close to United's Carrington training ground.
However, the Northern Ireland defender claimed it did not quite work out that way.
"A lot was said about rumours flying around during our golf day but it wasn't really like that," said Evans.
"We came in the next day, a meeting was called and the manager told us he was retiring. It was still a shock because no one saw it coming.
"Everyone is looking forward to working with David Moyes but are a bit gutted Sir Alex is leaving. He's done a fantastic job here and everyone is grateful for that."
Ferguson's last Old Trafford team selection is awaited with interest.
He has been saying for some time now he hoped to have Paul Scholes available, which would mean the pair could say goodbye together against Swansea given the 38-year-old is also expected to retire at the end of the season.
Most attention will be focused on whether Ferguson selects Wayne Rooney, who had a transfer request turned down two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Michael Laudrup has dismissed suggestions he is among the favourites to replace David Moyes at Everton as "pure speculation".
The Swansea boss is reportedly one of the leading contenders to succeed Moyes, who is to leave Goodison Park at the end of the season to take on the huge task of filling Ferguson's shoes at Manchester United.
Wigan's Roberto Martinez, Cardiff's Malkay Mackay and Celtic's Neil Lennon are also thought to be targets for Everton chairman Bill Kenwright.
Laudrup was linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City earlier this season, before signing a new contract to extend his Liberty Stadium deal until 2015.
And the Dane re-iterated he will take the Welsh club into European competition next season.
He said: "It is pure speculation, like when some of my players are linked to other clubs or when players are linked with coming here, so I don't want to comment on it.
"I haven't spoken to anyone (at Everton), I don't have time I have so much work to do here.
"I don't have dreams of going to other clubs, I live in the present. I don't have dreams about what I am going to do in two, four or eight years because I don't know, I live in the present.
"I've said so many times my intention is to be here so I can't say any more than that."
Angel Rangel and Michel Vorm will miss Swansea's trip to Old Trafford.
Right-back Rangel has a calf injury, while Vorm is still recovering from the concussion he suffered in the midweek win at Wigan.
But Michu could be set for a surprise return from a hamstring injury, just a week after Laudrup had said he would miss the remainder of the season.
Source: DSG
