Iconic former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, who trained the club for 26 years (1986-2013), leading them to win 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles, turns 78 on Tuesday.
Many took to Twitter to send out birthday wishes and thank him for making them fall in love with football:
Legends don’t come much bigger than this.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 31, 2019
Have a great day, Sir Alex ❤️ #MUFC pic.twitter.com/NXz6o4aYed
To the man who made me fall in love with Football!!
— Alpha Romeo (@AlphaRo16021887) December 31, 2019
There is nothing better than seeing you happy. Wish you happy and blessed life.#SirAlexFerguson pic.twitter.com/7WwGNzdi2b
It shouldn't come as a surprise that he who chose the last day of the year to be born went on to establish Fergie Time.
— Bikram Chaudhury (@SomeSpeaks) December 31, 2019
Happy Birthday Gaffer, The Legend.@ManUtd @reshmikasingh @shibani_mufc #SirAlexFerguson #HappyBirthdayGaffer#ManchesterUnited pic.twitter.com/eOHwVm8Wc6
The Scottish-born Ferguson started his managing career in 1974 with East Stirlingshire, a Scottish club, at the age of 32.
During his managing career, Ferguson, who was knighted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace, has faced multiple controversies, from labelling a BBC documentary on him as "rubbish, made up stuff and brown paper bags" to kicking a boot at England legend David Beckham’s face.
Ferguson in his autobiography (2013) also revealed that Beckham would have become an even better player if he hadn't married former Spice Girls star Victoria Adams (now Beckham) as she was a distraction for David.
For his constant clashes with referees, Ferguson served 15-match touchline bans during his career along with hefty fines.