HE is loved by millions of football fans all over the world. He is also hated by millions of football fans all over the world.

But only the truly ignorant would deny that he deserves to be described as one of the greatest figures in the history of football.

Irrespective of which side of the love-hate divide you happen to occupy, the incredible achievements of Sir Alex Ferguson over 26 years as Manchester United manager warrant the utmost respect.

It is hard to imagine watching the Premier League without Ferguson chewing his gum, badgering the officials, arguing with opposition managers, and appearing to be on the point of combustion.

Too many football clubs and managers are quick to ban journalists who step out of line by asking awkward questions, and Ferguson had a particular arrogance in that respect.

His feud with the BBC went on far too long. It was ridiculous and embarrassing.

But his single-minded belief that he was always right, and his refusal to give in, was clearly part of what made him a great football manager.

He was a bully but he got results and, in the world of modern football, that’s all that matters.

Like him or not, he deserves all the tributes which have flooded in. Genius, legend, the greatest – it is hard to argue with any of those descriptions which have been applied to Sir Alex Ferguson’s name since he announced his retirement yesterday.