Manchester United chief executive David Gill says manager Sir Alex Ferguson has helped transform the club into one of the best in world football during his 25-year tenure.
The Scottish tactician celebrated 25 years at Old Trafford last weekend and Gill has spoken highly of the contribution he has made to the club.
Obviously the future will see a Man Utd without Ferguson and Gill is well aware that he has created something special which he hopes is carried on long after he is gone.
"Alex's legacy to United is to my mind very clear - delivering an unprecedented period of success in the Manchester United way," he told MUTV.
"By that, I mean attractive football using young players - both homegrown and buying players when necessary like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, but actually developing our own players.
"That record is there for everyone to see and that legacy is very clear also.
"Within that, he's made sure he's cemented United's position as one of the top clubs in world football.
"We're very well respected clearly in this country and around the world. You only have to see our following there on tour in America and Asia, plus in Europe when you speak to any other club.
"United are rightly held in very high esteem down in no small measure to what Alex has achieved in the last 25 years."
