Beyond his wildest dreams

“I haven’t watched a single video of the trophies we’ve won,” he once said. “I never look back. I think it’s important that you move on in life.”

As if to illustrate the point, in the dressing room after the Reds’ 2008 Champions League final victory, while most fans were savouring those mad Moscow moments, Sir Alex and his senior players were already plotting a route to the following season’s showpiece.

He’ll be doing the same again now – sharing in the 19th title celebrations, sure, but also thinking of ways he can improve his squad or extract better performances from those already in his ranks.

But just because the boss won’t pause to reflect, it doesn’t mean fans shouldn't. After all, it’s largely down to him that supporters feel so jubilant today and that United have consistently been among the top teams in world football for the last 20-odd years.

So raise a glass to Sir Alex amid today's 19th title celebrations and toast the greatest football manager Britain has ever seen.

More: Sir Alex's titles part one | part two | Video: Boss at Ewood