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:
!["The difficulty I had after Jock [Stein] passed away and I got the job full time was not being able to do training sessions on Thursday with the Aberdeen team... When I took the job Aberdeen were top of the league, but ended up third. That shows the impact it had."](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2025/10/15/12/05/GettyImages-2216310361.jpeg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
13. On the difficulties of taking the Scotland job on a caretaker basis...
"The difficulty I had after Jock [Stein] passed away and I got the job full time was not being able to do training sessions on Thursday with the Aberdeen team... When I took the job Aberdeen were top of the league, but ended up third. That shows the impact it had." | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
14. On his love of horse racing...
"Football management is such a pressurised thing - horseracing is a release. I'm also learning to play the piano - I'm quite determined - it's another release from the pressure of my job." | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
15. On Ryan Giggs...
“I remember the first time I saw him. He was 13 and just floated over the ground like a cocker spaniel chasing a piece of silver paper in the wind.” | AFP via Getty Images