Sir Alex Ferguson in quotes

Former players and rival managers pay tribute to the Manchester United manager

Sir Bobby Charlton

“I never in my wildest dreams thought I would spend so much time being so successful at a football club over these last 30 years. It’s been magical and all down to Alex”

David Beckham

“The success the boss had has in the last 25 years has been incredible. I’m lucky to have been part of that”

Gary Neville

“You’re probably talking about five teams he’s built over 25 years to achieve this success. It’s unbelievable”

Eric Cantona

“He’s one of the greatest of all time, all around the world. He is a kind of genius”

Bryan Robson

“It shows first his success but also what a hard worker he is. The biggest trick is that he doesn’t let people around him lose their hunger either”

Steve Bruce

“When he was striving to turn around Man United, the fierce determination to beat Liverpool, to win the league and then once he won it, he’s won it 12 times since. It is remarkable”

Kenny Dalglish

“He has been fantastic for Manchester United and I think he has even surpassed the legend that was Sir Matt Busby. When you remember where the football club was when he came in I think it is a fantastic achievement where he has taken them now”

Arsene Wenger

“It is remarkable. I don’t know anybody else who has done 25 years at the top level in the same club. Nobody will do it again”

Roberto Mancini

“Alex is 70, it is remarkable. Will I still be working when I am 70... no”