Sir Alex Ferguson is the most successful manager in British football history – winning more than 30 trophies during his time in charge of Manchester United.

After retiring from playing the game for several teams north of the border, Sir Alex moved into coaching, taking up the role of manager of East Stirlingshire, St Mirren, then Aberdeen. But it was his time at Pittodrie where he earned his reputation as a top coach. He broke the Glasgow dominance of Scottish football and led Aberdeen to three Scottish titles, four Scottish cups, one League Cup and one European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Following the sacking of Ron Atkinson as manager of Manchester United, the Old Trafford hierarchy moved quickly for his services and got their man on 6 November 1986. Ferguson turned the team around and broke Liverpool’s domination. His greatest achievement came in 1998/99 where his team took out the Premiership title, FA Cup and European Cup – no side before or since has achieved a treble haul. Ferguson was knighted following that success and many more wins have followed.

“WorldSkills London 2011 is such an important event – it showcases highly skilled young people at the top of their game, encouraging youth to consider all of the career opportunities that are out there and to aim big. The Competition is proof that anything is possible with determination. Investing in young people and giving them a chance to show their skills has always been an important philosophy here at Manchester United and it goes right back to the days of Sir Matt Busby.”