The Gaffer's greatest

For all Sir Alex Ferguson's stunning achievements at the Old Trafford helm, his greatest feat remains guiding Aberdeen to European glory.

That's according to Neil Simpson, one of the Dons side which stunned Real Madrid in the European Cup Winners' Cup final 25 years ago.

Sir Alex's triumphant side were dubbed the Gothenburg Greats after their victory in Sweden, and former midfielder Simpson still sees the success as a sporting miracle.

"There's no doubt that Sir Alex is the best Scottish manager ever," he said. "He's also the best Britain has produced, given the trophies he has won and the players he has brought to the peak of their powers.

"But I would have to say that Aberdeen winning a European trophy was a better achievement than Manchester United winning the Champions League.

"They are a world-famous club and massive, whereas we are a provincial side with a maximum attendance of 20,000. I think Sir Alex, himself, said that beating Real Madrid was a miracle."

Sir Alex takes his United side to Pittodrie on Saturday for a friendly to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Gothenburg, a gesture that Simpson sees as typical of the Reds' manager.

"It's great that he is coming back for our celebrations with the current champions of Europe but it's no surprise, given the quality of the man," he said.

"Sir Alex is a class act who inspires players at his club by demanding high standards in everything they do.

"He has run United the same way he ran Aberdeen in that, if those standards slip, someone will take your place. You need that ruthless approach to be a winner at the very top."