Ferguson celebrates European success with Aberdeen in 1983

In the granite city his tough-talking, hands-on approach was a winner.

While at Pittodrie Ferguson smashed the Celtic-Rangers "Old Firm" monopoly, winning three championships, four Scottish Cups and the European Cup Winners' Cup in six years.

Known for his fiery temper, he also won the reputation of a fiercely loyal coach who invests time and effort in star players and apprentices alike.

Southern success

It is this mix-and-match approach which has served him so well at Manchester, where Ferguson has weaved home-grown talent and foreign flair into cohesive, gutsy sides.

Yet the going has not always been good for him south of the border.

Initially his abilities were called into question by the fans.

The low point came in 1989 when the team found itself hammered 5-1 by its most bitter rivals, Manchester City.

Ferguson is out of his seat as United win the FA Cup in 1990

But chairman Martin Edwards and the board did not waver and they, like Ferguson, were rewarded by FA Cup success in 1990.

The family atmosphere he had worked hard to establish was bearing fruit and three years later the Guv'nor from Govan finally brought home the League title.

Another six have been secured and European, League and FA Cup victories litter United's success in the nineties which reached a pinnacle in 1999 with the treble triumph to follow a brace of doubles.

Single minded

His management style has been thoroughly analysed by lovers of the sport.

They have attributed his success to factors as diverse as a "working class ability" to asses the qualities of men around him, and "tunnel vision".

Whatever his given talents, Ferguson, who is married to Cathy and a father of three grown-up sons, also puts in the hours.

He is usually at the training ground by 0730 and regularly works 18-hour days.

He is also loyal to his players, although never shy to give them a blast of his temper.

Ferguson holds aloft the European Cup in 1999

For someone so consumed by football, it may come as a surprise that he has outside interests.

He owns a racehorse and has been a high-profile campaigner for Tony Blair and the Labour party.

After performing miracles at Aberdeen and Manchester United, "Fergie" is now a British footballing icon.

He has equalled and arguably surpassed Busby's record at Old Trafford.

And now he will adopt the role of worldwide statesman - and advisor no doubt - as he attempts to continue the Old Trafford dynasty.