I woke today to the raging news that Manchester United were due to make a big announcement at the weekend; regardless of their best laid plans, the resulting media furore prematurely brought forward the statement that Sir Alex Ferguson would step down in the Summer:

Step down in the Summer; a slightly amusing turn of phrase given that he’s due to have a hip replacement in the near future?

The news genuinely made my heart sink; it’s honestly like losing a head of state or monarch because Fergie has become such a living legend at Old Trafford.

In my humble opinion, Sir Alex is the most successful British football manager in history; debate will obviously go on about that subject for years to come, but who can honestly argue with 36 trophies in 26 years?  Mindblowing.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s record at United and list of trophies won.

Played: 1604

Won: 965

Drawn: 360

Lost: 279

Premier League: 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013

FA Cup: 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004

League Cup: 1992, 2006, 2009, 2010

Uefa Champions League: 1999, 2008

Fifa Club World Cup: 2008

Uefa Super Cup: 1992

Uefa Cup Winners Cup: 1991

Inter-Continental Cup: 1999

FA Charity/Community Shield: 1990 (shared), 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011.

Dad and I regularly trawled around the country in the late eighties and throughout the nineties, following Manchester United whenever we could; we saw first-hand how Fergie worked his magic each year and rebuilt the squad time after time.

I was extremely lucky to meet Sir Alex when Dad and I blagged our way into the foyer at Queens Park Rangers and I spent what seemed an age talking to Sir Alex me about the game and key players at the time.  I was only a nipper and will always treasure that memory, along with the signed match programme that I have!

What now for the future of Manchester United?

Simply.

We’ll never die, we’ll never die
We’ll never die, we’ll never die
We’ll keep the Red flag flying high
‘Cos Man United will never die