Ferguson had to wait three-and-a-half years for his first piece of silverware, but once he found a winning formula titles became the norm at Old Trafford.

"Coaches such as Fabio Capello, Marcello Lippi, Arsene Wenger and myself suggest longevity can bring success," he has said.

Ferguson has got his hands on 17 major titles - incorporating two Doubles and a Treble - plus six Manager of the Year awards, five Charity Shields, an Intercontinental Cup and a Super Cup.

Arsenal have 13 major trophies since 1986 - seven under Wenger, while Liverpool have 11, Chelsea seven and Manchester City none.