MANCHESTER: Manchester United will unveil a statue of manager Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford later this month, the English Premier League giants have announced.

Ferguson, who on Tuesday celebrated his 26th anniversary as United manager following a successful spell in charge of Scottish side Aberdeen, will see the 9ft (2.74m) high bronze work by sculptor Philip Jackson unveiled on Friday, November 23.

A United statement said: “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.”

Jackson's work will go on public display for the first time the day before Queens Park Rangers, Ferguson's initial opponents in his maiden home match as United manager, visit Old Trafford.

Ferguson is widely regarded as one of British football's greatest managers, having won 12 English titles and two Champions League trophies with United among a clutch of trophies in addition to the three Scottish championships and the European Cup Winners' Cup he brought to Aberdeen.

He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999 in recognition of his services to the game.

His statue will be the latest piece of sculpture at Old Trafford, with permanent statues of late United manager Matt Busby, who guided the club to their first European Cup title in 1968 and the “United Trinity” of 1960s stars George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton outside the ground.