Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary Scottish soccer manager, celebrates his 81st birthday today. The former Manchester United boss is widely regarded as the greatest manager of all time. Sir Alex played soccer professionally from 1957 to 1974. Thereafter, he took up management roles in different Scottish clubs, before joining Aberdeen in 1978.
It was at Aberdeen that Ferguson made a name for himself. He guided The Dons to three domestic titles and a European Cup triumph, aside from victories in local cup competitions. The Scotsman left Aberdeen in 1986 to join English side Manchester United. The 82-year-old was United’s manager for 26 seasons and retired in 2013. At that time, he came to be known as the greatest soccer manager of all time.
1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ matches
8️⃣9️⃣5️⃣ wins
3️⃣8️⃣ trophies
2️⃣6️⃣ years
1️⃣ unforgettable journeySir Alex Ferguson: the man who made dreams come true ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OjEExUIodv
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 12, 2020
Sir Alex had won 38 trophies with Manchester United, making him the most decorated soccer manager of all time. The tale of this legendary Scot is fondly remembered among the Old Trafford faithful. Manchester United even named a stand after their iconic manager. Old Trafford’s two best-known stands are Stretford End, and The Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.
The Red Devil supporters are, however, not the only ones who admired Sir Alex. Legends of the game, be it players or managers, also displayed their respect for him. Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele, and Pep Guardiola, all have praised the 82-year-old in the past.
What did Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele, and Pep Guardiola say about Sir Alex?
It is no secret among soccer fans that Cristiano Ronaldo considered Sir Alex Ferguson to be his soccer father. The Portuguese soccer legend was brought to Old Trafford in 2003 by Sir Alex and developed his craft under the Scotsman. Ronaldo famously hugged Sir Alex who was cheering on in the stands after Portugal won the Euro 2016 trophy.
Sir Alex also helped Manchester United in re-signing the 37-year-old. Here’s what the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had to say about Ferguson: “He’s a fantastic person. A human person. He taught me many things. He’s like a father in football. For me he’s the best coach I ever had.”
Guardiola: “He is one of the best of all time.”
Ronaldo: “For me he’s the best coach I ever had.”
Pelé: “Sir Alex is my idol for a coach, and you are an example for all future generations.”
Happy birthday to one of the greatest managers of all time Sir Alex Ferguson. 🎂🏴 pic.twitter.com/AzRcXR9RUu
— The Coaches’ Voice (@CoachesVoice) December 31, 2022
The late Brazilian soccer legend Pele also had massive respect for Sir Alex Ferguson. The three-time World Cup winner once famously commented on the former United boss: “Sir Alex is my idol for a coach, and you are an example for all future generations.” (via The Coaches’ Voice)
Even Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, the Red Devils’ direct rivals, praised Sir Alex. “Manchester United are one of the best teams in the world and have been for a long time. That is because Sir Alex Ferguson has maintained winning trophies at the same time as re-creating outstanding teams. That is an art and I only have respect for him and what he has achieved. He is one of the best of all time,” he said.
Soccer fans do not doubt that Sir Alex Ferguson achieved something special during his elongated managerial career. The legendary Scotsman can still be seen in the stands at Old Trafford whenever Manchester United is playing. The architect of the Class of ’92, the treble of ’99, and the final flourish of 2013, will always be remembered fondly in Manchester and beyond.