LEGENDARY ex-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson today received Freedom of the Borough of Trafford in a formal ceremony at Trafford Town Hall.


As a permanent tribute, Water’s Reach, a road located near Old Trafford was renamed ‘Sir Alex Ferguson Way’ and a short ceremony took place at the former ‘Water’s Reach’ to unveil the new road sign.


Ferguson led Manchester United to 13 Premier League titles, two European Cups, five FA Cups, four League Cups, one Cup Winners’ Cup and a Fifa Club World Cup during a glittering 26-year reign at Old Trafford.


Having retired on a high this May with United’s latest league triumph – their 20th overall – Sir Alex can hardly believe the success he has enjoyed in the borough.
Sir Alex said: “I am delighted to accept this honour from Trafford Council.

When I arrived at Old Trafford in 1986, I had little idea of the journey that awaited me.


“Over a quarter of a century later, to receive the Freedom of the Borough of Trafford, and to have a part of Trafford carrying my name, is truly humbling.”


Trafford Mayor, Cllr Dylan Butt, said: “His towering record of achievement at Old Trafford, a place name now recognised in any language across the world is testimony to his successful career.


“Sir Alex is truly deserving of this prestigious honour after many years leading one of the world’s top football clubs.”


Cllr Matthew Colledge, council leader, said: “After 26 years of strong leadership and success at Manchester United, we felt that it was a fitting tribute to honour Sir Alex with the Freedom of the Borough.


“His success at Manchester United has made a significant contribution to not only football but Trafford itself.”


Ferguson is only the third person to be awarded the honour since the council was established in 1974.


A poem called ‘The Govan Boy: A Poem for Sir Alex Ferguson’ has been commissioned by renowned poet Tony Walsh and will be available on Youtube from October 14.