Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates 25 years at the helm of Manchester United by declaring there is plenty more to come as long as he stays healthy.

The fiery Scot has been the most successful manager the game has ever seen and today welcomes Sunderland to Old Trafford.

Speaking at a gala dinner in his honour, Sir Alex said: “I will continue as long as I feel healthy enough to do it,

“It has been a fantastic spell for me. It is something you don’t think is going to happen,

“It is a bit of a fairytale to last so long. I appreciate that. I have been very fortunate to have some of the best players in the game.

“When I look back at these players, I say to myself how fortunate I am. It is incredible the list of players, going back to the very start with Bryan Robson, Norman Whiteside, Brian McClair, Hughes, Ince, Keane, Cantona.

“What a collection of players. They were fantastic players.

“It is hard to think I controlled all these players for so long. Now to the present era of players we see today, different personalities and
different cultures.”

Leading the plaudits for the United boss was his arch-rival, Kenny Dalglish, manager of Liverpool.

Dalglish said: ““He has been fantastic for Manchester United and I think he has even surpassed the legend that was Sir Matt Busby with the achievements and success he has had.

“To be anywhere for 25 years is unbelievable and every success he has had is testament to him and the football club.

“When you remember where the football club was when he came in I think it is a fantastic achievement where he has taken to them now.”

United play Sunderland while Liverpool host Swansea. Elsewhere Newcastle play Everton, Arsenal face West Brom Villa play Norwich while struggling Blackburn play Chelsea.

QPR take on Manchester City and on Sunday Stoke travel to Bolton, Fulham welcome Tottenham and Wolves face Wigan.