The Sir Alex Ferguson bronze statue unveiled outside Old Trafford

Earlier in the day a Statue of the Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was unveiled. Crowds of approximately 2,500 were gathered outside Old Trafford for the statue unveiling at 2 pm  The statue is 9 foot in height and made of bronze. Gold wouldn't be too bad either, eh?. Not the forget Sir Alex even has a stand named after him, outside which the statue is placed.

The statue unveiling was was done by none other than Cathy Ferguson, the wife of the Manchester United manager, whom Sir Alex described as the 'real boss'. The statue sculpture, Phillip Jackson, also sculpted the statue of Sir Matt Busby. Jackson said, " "I’ve tried to portray him as a man of great determination and as a thinking man, but also with humour which he has in abundance, so there’s just a slight smile in the corner of his mouth. That’s really what I wanted to portray."

In attendance were several current and former Manchester United players, including Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Andy Cole, Denis Irwin, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar and Eric Cantona. But former Old Trafford favorites David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo weren't present due to their club obligations. They sent pre-recorded messages.

Ronaldo added: 'You 100 per cent deserve this with what you have done. I wish to be there with you but my schedule is busy with games as you know. I hope to see you soon because I need to practice my English and not my Scottish. Thanks boss. All the best to you.'

Beckham added: 'Sorry I can't be there for this amazing day. My time at Manchester United was without doubt the best of my career and I cherish those moments.'

Sepp Blatter, the FIFA president wasn't present either but sent a pre-recorded message, saying, "He is unique because he has put a high standard to his club his players and also to himself," Blatter said. "I was so happy that I had the opportunity to bestow him with the FIFA President's award and he was happy to receive it. I am proud and I wish him well in the future to him and his family and the club Manchester United. Thank you, Sir Alex."

It was an auspicious day for Sir Alex with the unveiling of the statue as the club celebrated his 26 years in charge, during which he won an astonishing 37 trophies. He described it as a proud moment.

Sir Alex said, "Normally people die before they see their statue, so I'm out-living death," added Ferguson.

"I've had an incredible journey at the club and I've had so many great players, some of whom are here today.

"They should build this statue for them all, because they've been absolutely marvellous.

"From 1986 right through to today, the players have given us enormous pleasure.

"Everyone has had a part to play, from the players to the coaching staff, medical staff and, of course, the fans."

He also thanked his wife for her support throughout his career but joked: "Cathy has promised that every Saturday morning she's going to come down here and bow to the statue!" He still has his sense of humour, doesn't he?

Not to forget Sir Alex Ferguson has also been bestowed as the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by the Queen of England due to his contributions in the field of football.