Giggs amazed by Sir Alex

Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs says that hard work and love for the game are what have made Sir Alex Ferguson remain successful in his long managerial career.

The Scotsman will celebrate his 25th year as United boss on Sunday, having won the Premier League 12 times and the UEFA Champions League trophy twice with the Red Devils among numerous other major honours.

Sir Alex will turn 70 in December but he has no apparent intention of quitting his managerial post at Old Trafford.

Giggs, who has played under Sir Alex for 20 years, hailed his mentor for his longevity and told Inside United: "You can have all the qualities in the world, but hard work is the key to everything.

"He's seen plenty of quality players come and go at United over the years, but the main thing that sets great players apart from the rest is their work ethic.

"And he leads by example, of course. He's always first in at the training ground and last to leave, and he wants to see that kind of mentality from his players as well.

"He just loves his job. He loves watching United play. He loves seeing players develop. He loves everything about his job. You couldn't do what he does at his age and have the work ethic he's got if you didn't love it.

"We might have got home from a European away game at four in the morning, yet you can pretty much guarantee he'll be first in at Carrington at 8am the next day - and will be last to leave.

"You'll then stick the TV on later that night and see him at a function in London. It's unbelievable."