Standing proud and defiant, with both arms folded tightly across his chest, the statue erected outside the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand has been commissioned to mark the 26th anniversary of the Scot’s arrival in Manchester. Eric Cantona and Ruud van Nistelrooy were both present as the statue was unveiled, along with Peter Schmeichel – the Danish goalkeeper described by Ferguson as the “buy of the century” – and Norwegian forward Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who scored United’s injury-time winner in the 1999 Champions League final.

The entire Manchester United first team squad, including Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, were also at the present to get a look at the statue, which was officially unveiled by Ferguson’s wife, Lady Kathy.

Speaking at the ceremony Ferguson was on more jovial form than at his morning press conference, where he attacked both Rafa Benítez and Chelsea. Asked who he would like to unveil the statue, Ferguson replied: “Probably Elvis, but I doubt he can make it.”

United’s legendary manager Sir Matt Busby, plus the club’s ‘holy’ trinity of Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law, have also had their importance to the club commemorated by statues at Old Trafford.

Ferguson has been United’s manager for 26 years, and is the Premier League’s most successful manager with 12 titles.