Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to former assistant Walter Smith.

Smith, who was most successful as manager of Scottish giants Rangers, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 73.

Smith had the short spell as assistant manager to Sir Alex during the 2003/04 season.

"I am absolutely devastated," Ferguson told MUTV. "Walter was a special person. He fought his illness with great courage.

"He was a great friend of mine for years and years, I had him as my assistant at United in 2004 and he was also my assistant when Scotland went to the World Cup in 1986.

"In all that time you were dealing with a man with great moral compass in how he lived his life and the friendship he offered so many people.

"His contribution to football with Dundee United, Rangers, Scotland, Everton and Man United was immense."