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:
9. On his first club, Queen's Park...
"The funny thing is that the one team I always look for on Saturday night is Queen’s Park, my first club. I had a great learning experience as a 16-year-old lad playing for them. People think it’s an amateur team but you had to be tough to play for Queen’s Park. That was a great foundation for me.” | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
10. On his friend Walter Smith...
"Walter was a special person. He fought his illness with great courage. He was a great friend of mine for years and years." | AFP via Getty Images
11. On rising ticket costs...
"I feel sympathy for the working class lad. I've always championed about ticket prices and try to equate that to people's salaries." | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
12. On football being entertaining...
"I think you have a duty and a responsibility to entertain. We have to always remember that there's a public to be entertained." | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images