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:
5. On his fallout with David Beckham...
"The minute a Manchester United player thought he was bigger than the manager, he had to go." | AFP via Getty Images
6. On alcohol...
"In England, it's a rare thing to see a player smoking but, all in all, I prefer that to an alcoholic. The relationship with alcohol is a real problem in English football and, in the short term, it's much more harmful to a sportsman. It weakens the body, which becomes more susceptible to injury." | Manchester United via Getty Imag Photo: Getty Images
7. On Gary Neville...
“If he was an inch taller he’d be the best centre half in Britain. His father is 6ft 2in - I’d check the milkman.” | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
8. On his love for football's older generation...
"Human beings of today are more fragile, whereas people born in wartime, during the Second World War, eventually became the great players like Pele. They were fantastic players." | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images