Everton legend Peter Reid says Sir Alex Ferguson can be proud of his efforts at Manchester United last season.

Reid wrote in the Daily Star Sunday: "I can't praise Fergie enough because, in my opinion, he did not have the quality of squad he has had in the past.

"That is illustrated by United still being heavily reliant on both Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes - who are now 38 and 37 respectively.

"But Sir Alex is still full of fire and fight at 70 years of age and to come so close to ­winning the title was still a great achievement in my eyes.

"They lost out only on goal difference and would have won it if they had beaten Everton in the run-in.

"United were 4-2 up in that match at Old Trafford and hit the post at that point.

"If it had gone to 5-2, it would have been all over but Everton hit back to draw 4-4."