BBC Sportfootball

The most famous of "Fergie's fledglings" was David Beckham, who made his first-team debut as a 17-year-old in 1992.

Beckham first wore the number 10 vacated by Mark Hughes, then Eric Cantona's relinquished no. 7 jersey, as he elevated himself to footballing superstar status.

But the relationship between player and manager was a rocky one. In 2003, following a defeat to Arsenal, Ferguson kicked a boot at Beckham, striking him above the eye.

A year later Beckham was gone, signing for Real Madrid in a deal worth �25m.