26 Years Of Folklore, Thank You Sir Alex Ferguson

"It's a proud moment. Normally people die before people see their statue. I'm outliving death!"

-Sir Alex Ferguson-

A bit of a fun fact that I have found on Twitter : " Sir Alex Ferguson has outlasted 5 American Presidents, 5 British Prime Ministers, 10 Liverpool, 18 Chelsea and 19 Manchester City managers." 

The man who 26 years ago was brought into club to bring back the glory days. A club that were in the shadows of Liverpool. A club that once were the pride and joy of Britain due to the efforts of another man, Sir Matt Busby and the players that had played under him such as Bobby Charlton, George Best, Dennis Law, Duncan Ferguson, just to name a few. However, his rise to the top of the footballing summit was a slow one, took him five years to win a trophy. In fact, he would have been sacked if Mark Robins had not scored the winning goal against Nottingham Forest in a 1-0 victory during the FA Cup 3rd Round tie in 1990.

Since then, Sir Alex had gone on to win a total of 48 trophies making the most successful British manager in history. At 70, there are no signs of him slowing down either. He still has the passion and hunger for trophies like he has not won any during his managerial career at Old Trafford. He has built teams from scratch. Sir Alex has made boys into men and then into legends. Players who will forever be looked upon and adored by United supporters and also other football fanatics, from the Cantonas to the Ronaldos. For most players, he is like a 'father' figure, always available when called upon regarding whether on-pitch and off-pitch matter. He protects his players like a lion would protect his cub when danger looms.

He instilled great discipline in all his players, reminding why they play for Manchester United, renewing their hunger for the game and for trophies. Teams over the years have been able to replicate success over and over again. When you look at the Manchester United of the present season, the only thing that has changed are the players but not the hunger, passion and mentality to win trophies. Manchester United are a team of transition, always changing but yet the blue print of the club for success always remains the same. The desire to win trophies, the ability to take games by the scruff of the neck. You can never take your eyes off a United game when they decide to play football. They always have the trait of champions in their DNA. The determination to win a game for the sake of three points is just unrivaled even in recent years with likes of Chelsea, Manchester City.  

Even though some who might think that he is a controversial figure in recent times but his work in the footballing world is phenomenal. The man  has been able to weather the managerial storm of the modern game with his eagerness to embrace change as time goes by.  Last Wednesday, Roberto Di Matteo was sacked six month after winning the Champions League trophy. A trophy that Sir Alex won twice in the span of 22 years. Tells you a lot about the pressures you face as a manager in today's footballing world when your team does not perform up to standard of the people above you. Sir Alex has been able celebrate his reign in the club with a sense of stability and a huge amount of trust from the members of the Manchester United board. 

Sir Alex Ferguson will always be remembered as the man who knocked Liverpool off their perch of British footbal. A man who has made Manchester United a team that is feared not only in Europe but around the world. A man that has seen it in all in the world of football but yet still has the mind-set and hunger to win more trophies for the world. A man who despised by a few but loved by many. A man who will always be known for his 'mind games'. A man who has revolutionized British football. The humbleness he has shown today at the unveiling of his statue just shows you the true character that he is as a manager and as a man.

Thank you Sir Alex, for all the great memories that you have given us fans to live by. The comebacks, the 99 treble, the 08 Champions League victory against Chelsea, the 19th title. You will be sorely missed once you decide to call it a day.