Queiroz: Sir Alex Ferguson is like Pele

Former-Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has compared his old boss Sir Alex Ferguson to Pele and Diego Maradona for the United's manager's contribution to football.

Queiroz had two spells at Old Trafford, from 2002 to 2003 and four years from 2004 to 2008.

The Portuguese manager is currently in charge of the Iranian national team, and in an interview with FIFA.com, spoke highly of his former boss at United.

"I'd say that whereas the rest of us each make up a small part of football, he embodies football because of his exceptional personality," Queiroz said.

"He's made from the same stuff as Pele, [Diego] Maradona, [Alfredo] Di Stefano and [Ferenc] Puskas.

"In football, there are men who inspire respect. When they walk into a stadium, you can't help but applaud them - and Ferguson is one of them."

Alongside Ferguson in the Old Trafford dugout, Queiroz helped United win three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and a Champions League in 2008.

Ferguson recently took charge of his 1000th match for Manchester United, and the Glaswegian has established himself as one of the most successful managers in football history.

Since 1986, Ferguson has won 12 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and two Champions Leagues.

He has 48 trophies in total across his career, making him the most successful British football manager in history.