Stand named after Sir Alex

Manchester United have revealed that their North Stand has been renamed the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.

As a tribute to their manager who is celebrating 25 years in charge at Old Trafford, United confirmed the honour before their match with Sunderland.

A banner covered the stand before Ferguson was welcomed onto the pitch through a guard-of-honour, at which point chief executive David Gill made the announcement.

As the stadium stood to applaud the 69-year-old, the covers were taken off the new sign bearing the words Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, before the United boss addressed the fans and declared his pride at working for "the best club in the world".

United also confirmed that a statue of Sir Alex will be placed outside the newly named stand. 

Gill said: "To be at a club of our standing for so long is truly remarkable.

"In that time Alex has established himself as the most successful manager in British football history, winning countless trophies and creating numerous sides admired around the world for their flair and ability.

"Alex's contribution to United has been immense and the magnificent stadium we have here at Old Trafford is a testament to his ability and success.

"The board felt it right to take this unique step, as well as to commission Philip Jackson to create a statue to go alongside his other great pieces here of Sir Matt and the United Trinity.

"These tributes are made with the grateful thanks of the owners, board, staff, players and fans ofManchester United, for the great pleasure Alex has brought us all over a quarter of a century."