8 May 2013: the day Manchester United fans had dreaded for nearly three decades. Sir Alex Ferguson announced he was to step down as manager of the world's biggest football club after 27 years in charge. The Scot signed off in style with an honours list that confirmed him as the most successful manager in British - and world - history. He would leave United at the age of 71 having won 38 trophies with them, and he would now become a director and ambassador for the club he had served so well.The story of Sir Alex Ferguson is a true rags-to-riches fairytale. Born in Govan, Glasgow in 1941, he played for Queen's Park, Dunfermline and Rangers before retiring in 1974 to begin his managerial career. Before joining Manchester United, he led a struggling Aberdeen side to the league title and the 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup and, although he struggled initially at United, his bargain-signing of Eric Cantona secured their first league title in 26 years.An incredible run of success followed, shaped by the emergence of 'Fergie's Fledglings' - Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Nicky Butt. His finest moment was in 1999 when United romped to an unprecedented Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies. Ferguson was knighted the same year. This in-depth biography charts Fergie's unstoppable rise and pays tribute to the greatest manager the world has ever seen.

Frank Worrall is a journalist who writes regularly for theSunday TimesandThe Sun. He is also the author of number one bestsellerRoy Keane: Red Man Walking, and countless football books includingRooney: Wayne's World,Giggsy andThe Magnificent Sevens.