Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his pride at being awarded an honorary degree by Scotland's oldest university on the eve of St Andrew's Day.

The Manchester United boss was presented with the accolade by St Andrew's University.

He was made a Doctor of Laws on Friday by the university in Fife.

The 60-year-old Scot, who has been at Old Trafford for 16 years, said the award was even more special coming just before the saint's day.

No one can doubt that Sir Alex has been an outstanding representative of his country

Professor Philip Winn

He said: "It's always special when an establishment like St Andrew's University honours you, particularly as a Scotsman.

"It's a wonderful honour, but there is an achievement attached to it.

"I've worked hard all my life and that's recognised because at universities you have to work hard."

Professor Philip Winn, who presented him with the degree, said: "No one can doubt that Sir Alex has been an outstanding representative of his country."

Sir Alex said he was putting off celebrations to allow him to fly south to prepare for Manchester United's crunch match with Liverpool on Sunday.

Finest hour

In a managerial career that has spanned almost three decades, Sir Alex began his career at East Stirlingshire in 1974.

Highlights have included steering Aberdeen to European Cup Winners Cup glory as they beat Real Madrid in 1983.

After taking the reigns at Old Trafford in 1986, Sir Alex steered Manchester United to their first league championship in 26 years.

Then the Glasgow-born manager's finest hour came in 1999 when United beat Bayern Munich 2-1 to clinch a dramatic European Champions League victory.