Statue of Sir Alex Ferguson to be unveiled at Old Trafford

Sir Alex Ferguson believes European opponents are now much sharper in attack against United (PA)

A statue of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is to be erected at Old Trafford later this month.

The announcement of the unveiling comes on the 26th anniversary of Ferguson's appointment as manager of the Red Devils.

The statue is sculpted by Philip Jackson, who was commissioned to mark the manager's quarter of a century in charge. The unveiling will take place on Friday, November 23, the day before United's home match with Queens Park Rangers.

A statement on the United website read: "It will be placed in a prominent position near the entrance to the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand - formerly the North Stand which was renamed in his honour last year.

"The club will also be unveiling new artwork and installations in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand concourses which will illustrate the manager's achievements throughout his United career."