He answered the call of his country in 1985 following the death of Jock Stein and was in charge for the 1986 World Cup – although he gave up the role after the Tartan Army failed to get out of the group stage.
On November 6, 1986 he was appointed manager of Manchester United but it was not instant success for him at Old Trafford.
He survived huge pressure after several trophyless years by guiding the club to FA Cup success in 1989.
But the big moment came in 1993 when he managed to end their title-drought by winning the Premier League.
More and more joy followed over the years, including two Champions League wins in 1999 and 2008, before retiring from the dug-out in 2013.
He is the longest-serving manager in the club’s history.
What is the latest on Sir Alex Ferguson’s condition after his brain haemorrhage surgery?
A Manchester United statement said on Saturday: “Sir Alex Ferguson has undergone surgery today for a brain haemorrhage.
“The procedure has gone very well but he needs a period of intensive care to aid his recovery.
“His family request privacy in this matter. Everyone at Manchester United sends our very best wishes.”
When Alex wanted to retire, his family convinced him to remain in charge of Manchester United, with Cathy listing her reasoning as “One, your health is good. Two, I’m not having you in the house. And three, you’re too young anyway.”
Ferguson went on to retire a few years later, saying his wife needed him after her sister died.
The couple married in 1966 and have three sons called Mark, Darren and Jason.
Darren is the manager of Doncaster Rovers but missed their League One clash with Wigan on Saturday to be by his father’s side.