Saturday, 25th May, 2013
UEFA president Michel Platini believes Sir Alex Ferguson’s 27-year reign at Manchester United will find no competition in the future.
Ferguson at last called time on his managerial career, which began in 1974, after signing off with the Premier League title at Old Trafford – his 13th with the club out of a total of 38.
He has since taken up the role of director with the Manchester United board, with David Moyes stepping into his shoes in the dugout.
Trophies aside, it is the Scotsman’s ability to nurture players both from the academy and from the transfer market into world-class level which will be remembered most, according to Platini.
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Speaking to CNN World Sport after UEFA’s 37th ordinary congress in London, Platini said: "For Alex Ferguson to stay 27 years in the same club, is something that will never happen again.
"He won everything and he’s very clever in the management of the players. He’s very clever of the manager of the group. He’s very clever in his management of society."
Indeed, Ferguson’s management was arguably best reflected in what are famously termed "Fergie’s fledglings", where he helped transform the lives of youth academy graduates such as Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville.
Also included in that list is David Beckham, who recently retired from professional football after winning the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain.
Platini reserved special praise for the former England captain, adding: "David Beckham is different. He’s another icon of the English football.
"He had beautiful years in Manchester, Real Madrid, and now he has done a beautiful thing this – retiring after winning the French league."
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