News | Tuesday, 14th July 2009

Sir Alex Ferguson honoured

United boss offers advice to graduates

SIR ALEX Ferguson was yesterday (July 13) honoured by Manchester Metropolitan University for his contribution to football and the city.

The Manchester United manager was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration – his second degree from the University.

The 67-year-old Red Devils boss said: "It is always a delight to receive an honour in recognition of what I have done in football, particularly from what I have to call now my home city."

He told graduates at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall: "Your success in education is being recognised today, but life starts after education and it is what you do with your skills and knowledge that counts."

Vice-Chancellor Professor John Brooks said: "We honour Sir Alex Ferguson in recognition of his achievements as the most successful manager in British football history. In leading Manchester United Football Club to win 30 trophies he has brought both the club and the city high international acclaim."

Advice for graduands

Sir Alex, who was first honoured in 1998 with an Honorary Masters degree from MMU, spoke of his time as a schoolboy in the Govan area of Glasgow, and said he would like to have gone on to college to study history or languages, but confessed he had not been the strongest at maths and English and was recommended for an apprenticeship.

Speaking of the tough job market for graduates this summer, Sir Alex had words of advice and encouragement: "Work hard. Don't worry about the odds, that's negative. You learn in football that you cannot worry about your opponent.

"Focus on the fact that you've got your chance, and you're going to get a job no matter how many interviews you need to get it."

- Sir Alex is not the only Premiership manager with a degree from MMU: Roberto Martinez, the new Wigan manager holds a degree in business from the University.