Sir Alex Ferguson Turns 80: 10 Facts About the Legendary Manager

• Sir Alex Ferguson, widely regarded as the greatest manager in the history of football, turns 80 today
• He received the perfect birthday gift as his former team Manchester United defeated Burnley at Old Trafford with the Scotsman in attendance
• While boasting many records and facts, there are many other interesting facts about Sir Alex that you might not know about

Sir Alex Ferguson, widely acclaimed as one of the greatest football managers if not the greatest, turns 80 today.

The Scottish-born Ferguson was born on 31 December 1941 in in Govan, a district in south-west Glasgow. Here are ten facts about the man who helped turn Manchester United into the global juggernaut that it is today.

1. He scored 171 goals in his playing career

Sir Alex played for Queen's Park, St Johnstone, Dunfermline Athletic, Rangers, Falkirk and Ayr United in a career that spanned from 1957 until 1974.

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2. He inspired the famous football phrase "Fergie Time"

Fergie Time refers to Manchester United's remarkable ability of scoring very late goals to either unlikely draw or win matches in injury time.

3. He is a horse racing enthusiast

He co owns three racehorses, Protektorat, Monmiral and Clan Des Obeaux, according to the Sun.

4. He was banned from the touchline 17 times

Ferguson was known for his fiery presence on the sidelines as a manager, earning himself numerous red cards from referees. Source: Last Word On Sports

5. He once alleged that a Champions League draw was fixed

Sir earned the ire of UEFA after claiming that the 2003 Champions League draw was fixed, receiving a fine for his remarks. Source. The Guardian

6. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II

Alex Ferguson earned the honorific of "Sir" in 1999 after Manchester United won an unprecedented Treble that year (Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League). Source: The Irish Times

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7. He turned down a peerage

After retiring in 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson could have become "Lord" Alex Ferguson, but snubbed it to be with his wife Cathy. Source: The Mirror

8. He injured David Beckham

Whether it was a mistake or not, he kicked a boot into David Beckham's face, causing a cut above the superstar's eye which required stitches. Source: Manchester Evening News

9. He was 'assaulted' with pizza

During the aftermath of an infamous clash between hateful rivals Manchester United and Arsenal, Ferguson was struck by a slice of pizza in what has become known as the 'Battle of the Buffet'. Source: Manchester Evening News

10. His son followed him into management

Darren Ferguson followed in his dad's footsteps, currently managing Peterborough United in the Championship

Former Bafana star Maimane Alfred Phiri shot while defending woman, Gunman then kills himself

Former South African soccer legend Maiamane Alfred Phiri remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital after he was shot twice in his tavern in Alexandra.

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The 47-year-old Phiri was shot while trying to assist a woman who ran into his tavern after she was chased by her gun-wielding boyfriend.

As reported by Sports Brief, it was confirmed that the gunman shot Phiri and killed another patron before turning the gun on himself.