Today is Sir Alex Ferguson's birthday. Unknown player and legendary coach

Today, on the last day of 2023, the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates his 82nd birthday.

As a Scottish player, he made a mark through his tenure. Starting in 1958, across sixteen years, he graced six different Scottish clubs and appeared four times for the Scottish national team.

Upon concluding his career as a player, the 32-year-old Ferguson transitioned into coaching. He assumed the managerial role at East Stirlingshire, then progressed to St. Mirren four years later, and eight years after that, to Aberdeen. In 1985, he took charge of the Scottish national team, albeit for just a year, before venturing into the sphere that would earn him acclaim - Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson occupied the managerial seat for the 'Red Devils' for an unprecedented 27 years, from 1986 to 2013, a feat unparalleled in the club's history.

Under his stewardship, United participated in 1500 matches, winning 895 (59.67%). His tenure marked a "golden era" for the club, witnessing United clinch more trophies than their entire century-long history. Manchester United secured thirteen league titles, five FA Cups, and four League Cups. They claimed the FA Community Shield ten times. On the international stage, the 'Red Devils' triumphed twice in the UEFA Champions League and secured victories in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup once each.

Sir Alex Ferguson received numerous accolades, being awarded Manager of the Month in the Premier League 27 times, Manager of the Season eleven times, and named Coach of the Decade by the League Managers' Association. World Soccer magazine recognized him as Coach of the Year on four occasions. UEFA hailed him as the Coach of the Year, and FIFA honored him with the Presidential Award.

He remains the most decorated manager in British football history, acknowledged as one of the greatest in the world. Ranked fourth among post-war managers by The Times, he holds the top spot in World Soccer and ESPN FC's list of the greatest managers of all time. He's among the top ten coaches who've significantly influenced the development of European football since UEFA's inception. In recognition of his services, Ferguson was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999. In 2002, he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.