Birthday boy Alex Ferguson continues to cast a lengthy shadow at Old Trafford

Former United manager Alex Ferguson gestures in the crowd, a day short of his 80th birthday at half time in the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford. Picture: Oli Scarff / AFP via Getty Images)

Alex Ferguson turns 80 today at a time when Manchester United currently occupy the slot for next season’s Europa Conference League. To say the Scot has been a hard act to follow is perhaps the greatest understatement in 21st century football.

Ralf Rangnick is the seventh man to pick the team since Fergie finally stepped away on May 19 2013; all have tried in vain to emulate a man who retired as a Premier League champion for an unprecedented 13th time.