Who is Alex Ferguson?

Manchester United has produced several stellar players through the course of its illustrious history of 138 years. One man - a coach - has however been the most iconic for the club and has taken it through unscaled heights of footballing excellence.

When he joined the club as manager, Alex Ferguson was 45 years of age. When he retired from the club on Tuesday, laurels and not age was what all chose to focus most on - 13 EPL titles, 10 Community Shields, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups and 2 Champions League crowns! Ferguson - announcing his retirement - said that he feels he has left the side in the strongest possible shape.

At Old Trafford - the start of it all

The Scotsman joined Manchester United as manager on November 6, 1986. He came in with the reputation of having been a strong player-turned strict disciplinarian. Having played in the Scottish Premier League and eventually managed sides like East Stirlingshire and St. Mirren, Ferguson's ability to mentor a team soon became evident. When he took over the reigns of Manchester United, the club was placed 21st. There were alcohol problems plaguing several players.

Ferguson changed all of that and instilled strict discipline in the side. There was a plan put into action and training sessions were adhered to like never before. The nickname 'Furious Ferguson' that he had earned for himself before, became clear to the United players.

As a result, the talented players, mentored by Ferguson, took Manchester United to the 11th place at the end of the season, despite languishing at 21st at one point.

At Old Trafford - the transformation

From defeats to inconsistent wins and towards a formidable football team - Ferguson swiftly transformed the team into a unit that other teams both feared and revered.

Manchester United claimed the Premier League title in 1992, 93, 95, 96, 98 and 2000 to cap off a century of football on an absolute high. True, there was a long list of ingenious players but it was Ferguson who synthesized their talents and created what fans continue to regard as an unbeatable side.

At Old Trafford - a new millennium of high standards

Under Ferguson, Manchester United entered the new millennium continuing with its brilliant showing. Not just Premier League but even European titles began making their way to Old Trafford.

An aspect of Ferguson which the veteran continued with was the strategies in signing players. He is known to be a man for whom his team is the 'start-all and end-all.' From David Beckham to Wayne Rooney - players have enjoyed fans in the millions and have played their hearts out under the watchful guidance of Ferguson.

Known also as Fergie, his team added six Premier League titles between 2002 and 2012-13 while installing a 'never-say die' attitude in his team. Such was and is his reputation that his stone statue was unveiled at the Old Trafford on November 23, last year.

Not completely free from controversies

Controversies are bound to plague a career as illustrious and long as that of Ferguson. From being fined and banned for criticizing match officials to recalling loaned players and playing mind games with other managers, Ferguson has been either accused of or been guilty of several unsportsman-like conduct. He however has showed repeatedly that winning and winning repeatedly is what is most remembered by one and all.

Personal life

Ferguson married Cathy in 1966 and they have three sons - Mark, Darre and Jason. He resides in Wilmslow.

Knighted in 1999 for his contribution to the sport, he was also named in a list of biggest private financial donors to the Labour party - announced a year earlier.

Ferguson has won the Manager of the Year award the most times in the history of English football and in 2008, became only the third England manager to have won the European Cup more than once. These and serveal other records are as much a part of his personal life as professional because of his passion for the sport - a passion that is not expected to fade away in his retirement years!