As the most popular sports teams in the world, Manchester United has long been revered as England’s most successful professional football team, with millions of devoted fans including Tunde Folawiyo. Boasting the largest average game attendance in European football, Manchester United has won numerous honours, a testament to the team’s outstanding talent and passion for the sport. Many notable figures have contributed to the enormous success of Manchester United with Sir Alex Ferguson among the most famed.

A homage to his many lauded accomplishments as manager, Sir Alex Ferguson received an honourary degree from the University of Ulster’s Sports Centre at Jordanstown in Northern Ireland. Over 500 students, staff and graduates were in attendance. Sir Alex Ferguson graciously accepted the honourary degree, claiming it was “an honour to receive this award from such an esteemed institution”.

Sir Alexander “Alex” Ferguson managed Manchester United from 1986 to 2013. During his career as club manager, Ferguson led the team to win 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League and two UEFA Champions League titles. He was awarded Manager of the Year more times than any other manager in the history of the sport, even becoming knighted in 1999 for his contributions to the world of British football. Ferguson’s last home game as coach of the Red Devils – his 1,500^th – resulted in a win, the perfect send-off for a magnificent career. Upon accepting his honourary degree, Ferguson paid respect to his former team.

“Players like (Roy) Keane, (Eric) Cantona, and (Bryan) Robson made the spirit of Manchester United,” he added. “They had the desire and work ethic that all players need and it’s not just about ability and talent.”

With these revered accomplishments a constant demonstration of his everlasting passion for the game, Sir Alex Ferguson remains one of the most respected managers in the history of football and sports as a whole.As the longest serving manager of Manchester United with more than 27 years of service, Ferguson announced his retirement as manager of Manchester United on 8 May 2013, ending an era of superior sportsmanship and devotion to the sport of football.  Manchester United fans such as Tunde Folawiyo will continue to serve as an immeasurable source of support for the team’s success as they embark on a hopeful journey toward the World Cup. The spirit of Manchester United remains a major source of inspiration for the team and its millions of loyal fans.