Fergie counts his United blessings

Sir Alex Ferguson believes he has lost none of his drive and determination despite enjoying unparalleled success at Manchester United.

Ferguson, who took over as United manager in 1986, has won the English Premier League 11 times, the FA Cup five times and the Champions League twice to become the most decorated manager in British football history.

And the former Aberdeen boss, who played as a striker with Glasgow Rangers, is confident he has retained the same qualities he brought to Old Trafford 25 years ago.

“Your character and work ethic doesn’t change,” Ferguson told ESPN.

“It is part of you and I like to see it in my players.”

“It was with me when I was young.”

When Ferguson arrived United were without a league title since 1967, but success did not arrive instantly.

They had to wait until 1993 before breaking their championship drought and some lean seasons in Ferguson’s initial years in charge are believed to have nearly cost the Scotsman his job.

“You can’t dismiss the history of Manchester United,” he said.

“That was one of the things I wanted to bring back. That was the challenge.”

“Every manager knows the name of the game. You have to be successful. That drives a lot of people on. Who wants to fail?”

“Now I am integrated into this club, which brings a responsibility to win.”

“That is more accurate than the fear of failure that was there in the early days.”

Ferguson’s success and longevity have made him an institution in his own right within English football.

He has compiled a catalogue of feuds and disagreements with the game’s administrators, the media and other managers.

While some might disagree, the 69-year-old claims he never dwells on his accomplishments and credits humility as a key quality underpinning his glittering career.

“I never think about what I have won. I don’t have time for that,” he said.

“There is a certain vanity about it anyway. What has served me well over the years is keeping my feet on the ground.”

“Humility is an important aspect of your life and should not be dismissed.”