Alex Ferguson turns 81: prison, quarrel with Beckham, wife Cathy, bets

The most successful British coach ever, a charismatic, ironic, even arrogant man. Alex Ferguson turned 81 yesterday, December 31st. Long, very long. He started from Glasgow, son of Alexander and Elizabeth, workers involved in the processing of steel plates, he has come to be an icon of world football, a symbol of Manchester United and English football despite retiring in 2013. There are 49 titles on the bulletin board, of which 38 won in 27 years at the helm of United. He won the Premier League 13 times, the Champions twice (’99, 2008), he marked an era. With wine offered to opposing coaches after games, you rant at her players. And yet the political militancy, the hangover as a boy, the passion for the Rangers. Let’s go find out Sir Alex’s secrets.