Alex Ferguson fights for life - Fans shocked

There are very few football managers whose name is immediately recognisable even to those who have little or no interest in the game.

Alex Ferguson is one.

Loved as Fergie by his fans and feared as Sir Alex by his rivals, he is admired by all, most notably for his time as

manager of Manchester United.

He is regarded by many players, managers, and media analysts as one of the most successful managers of all time.

He brought home enough silverware to prove it, winning 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues during his 26-year reign at Old Trafford.

Fans of the club, and of the man, will be shocked and saddened to hear of his serious illness. He had a prolific career as a striker in Scotland, but it was when he entered management that his true talent in football became abundantly clear.

Since his retirement, in 2013, Manchester United have had three managers, but none have reached the heights he did. Even Jose Mourinho has struggled to fill his shoes.