Viewed by many as the greatest football manager of all time, the iconic Sir Alex Ferguson turns 84 today.
Born in Glasgow on 31 December 1941, the former centre-forward had a very successful playing career, turning out for the likes of Queen’s Park, St Johnstone, Dunfermline Athletic, Rangers, Falkirk, and Ayr United. However, it was his astonishing managerial career that cemented his place as one of the game’s most legendary figures.
Worshipped by Manchester United supporters, he won an incredible 38 trophies during his legendary 27-year tenure at Old Trafford. He is also loved on the Aberdeen terraces after guiding them to three Scottish titles, four Scottish Cups, one Scottish League Cup, and, most notably, the European Cup Winners' Cup and European Super Cup in 1983.
As we celebrate his 84th birthday, we look back on the best quotes from Sir Alex on life, football, and his love of Scotland:
1. On never quitting...
"One of the things I always thought about as a young coach was finding solutions to things that happened, but the most important thing I always referred to was never giving in." | Manchester United via Getty Imag Photo: Getty Images
2. On potentially managing England...
"There was no way I could contemplate taking the England job. Can you imagine me doing that? A Scotsman? I always joked that I would take the position and relegate them: make them the 150th rated country in the world, with Scotland 149." | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
3. On his parents...
"If my parents were still alive, they would be very proud. They gave me a good start in life, the values that have driven me, and the confidence to believe in myself." | Getty Images
4. On Italians...
“When an Italian says it’s pasta I check under the sauce to make sure. They are innovators of the smokescreen.” | PA Photo: PA