Wish Sir Alex a happy 80th birthday!

Supporters who’d like to leave a message for the great man are encouraged to do so from now up until the end of the month.

We'd love to hear your favourite Sir Alex memories or anecdotes; maybe you were lucky enough to meet him, or a specific match, trophy or moment lingers in your memory and is important to you. If so, share them alongside your birthday message.

We will be selecting the best messages we see to include in a special birthday book to be presented to Sir Alex in the new year, so he may well get to read your message personally!

We'll also be publishing a selection of the best messages on ManUtd.com and the Official App on his birthday.

To contribute your message to Sir Alex Ferguson's 80th birthday card, head to this link and fill in the form.

One player wishing Sir Alex many happy returns will be our current no.7, no doubt. Cristiano Ronaldo and his old boss were reunited recently as part of Inside View, where the Portuguese legend recalled one particular story to convey exactly why he has so much admiration for the boss.

“I always say that for me he's like a father for me in football," Cristiano began.

“Probably he doesn't remember, but I will say it because it's a beautiful story. One day, my father was in hospital, and I was so emotional, very low. And I spoke with him and he said: ‘Cristiano, go there for two or three days.’ We had difficult games and I was a key player in that moment.

“He said: ‘It will be tough because we have difficult games, but I understand your situation and I’ll leave you [out] and you can go and see your father.’ For me, these are the most important things – apart from winning Champions Leagues, to win the Premier League, to win cups and stuff. So I have to appreciate him, because what he said to me, he always did. I have to appreciate that.”

Send your birthday wishes to Sir Alex Ferguson this month, and follow Cristiano's example in including your favourite memory or anecdote of the great man.

We've already been inundated with touching messages from fans all across the world. Here's a small selection:

"Happy Birthday Sir Alex! You took time to write to me after our son was born at 28 weeks weighing less than a bag of sugar and gave me positivity in those dark times. That bag of sugar is 21 next month. Thank you." Michelle Daniels, United Kingdom

"Happy 80th Sir Alex! And many more to come! You've been an incredible influence and example for me & millions of Reds worldwide. The ruthless determination and never give up attitude of your teams is what has been an inspiration even to people like me whom you've never met, but indelibly helped. Wishing you a fulfilling journey ahead." Dr Bharat, India

"When I was diagnosed with a life threatening disease at the age of 9, you kindly wrote a letter to me and encouraged me to have listen to all of the advice from the doctors whilst saying everyone at the club wished me the best. 23 years on I never lost faith and this year I was accepted into medical school with a same day call-back at the ripe age of 31 years old. You helped me gain the courage and resilience to never give in. Thank you." Kieran Chumun, United Kingdom

"Happy birthday Sir Alex! I must make sure you know I cannot thank you enough for what you have given my Dad & me. We watched  together the treble winning season ending in the Champions League Final, watching together at 3am in Singapore in May 1999. In October 1999, my Dad passed on, The joy you gave him that moment will forever be in my heart. For it was that one moment that bonded my Dad & me forever. Thank you and Happy Birthday. Bless you." Michael Liu, Singapore

"A very happy 80th Sir Alex, Thank you for all the fantastic memories and the time you took to speak to my mother and pose for photos several years ago at the Manchester United Disabled Association. It meant so much to her and all the family and the photo still takes pride of place in the home, although sadly mum is no longer with us." Les Edwards, United Kingdom

"Happy Birthday Sir Alex Ferguson! May you and your family be happy for many long years! From the poor town of Govan, all the way to the top of the world football - you were (and still to this day) a pure example of 'work hard, and never stop working hard.'" Aleksandar Petrov, Bulgaria