Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has praised Sir Alex Ferguson for his managerial ability. The Dutchman also worked under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal and Louis van Gaal as player, and when asked to compare them, United’s legendary manager was the one he felt had the best combination of qualities:

“Ferguson really was a super manager It was so brilliant how he always kept the entire squad happy and focussed. Wenger was a combination of Ferguson and Van Gaal. Arsene always emphasised all the positive things and he looked at what would work for the long term.”

“Tactically he [Van Gaal] is a genius. You can’t deny that. I have had managers who had their own strengths. But Ferguson really was a super manager.”

Van Persie has certainly played under some iconic managers during his career but even he recognises the unique qualities that Sir Alex brought to the table.

The Scotsman was an excellent man-manager, as van Persie rightly points out, and while Wenger and van Gaal certainly have their own strengths as coaches, the United legend’s own set of traits truly made him one of a kind.

It led to his extraordinary success in charge of the Red Devils, with 38 trophies during 26 years at Old Trafford; a run of success that will likely never be bettered by any manager in English football.