Former Manchester United full-back John Curtis has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson, who will take charge of the club for the final time away at West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.

After 27 successful years at the helm, 71-year-old Ferguson revealed last week that he has decided to step down from the position, paving the way for Everton's David Moyes to succeed him this summer.

Speaking to Sports Mole, Curtis, who featured under Ferguson on 19 occasions, has hailed the Scot's winning mentality.

"He wants born winners and I think that's why he got on so well with people like Roy Keane," he said. "He understands them because that is the way that he is. Anybody who is like that, he tends to have good relationships with," he said.

The 34-year-old added: "[Playing under him] was fantastic - he is a great guy. Everyone has got this impression that he is a tyrant, but he wasn't. If you take a look at his record, the people that have been loyal to him and done the business for him, he looks after them and rewards them so well.

"It's only the people that crossed him in any way [that he fell out with]. He's straight with you, absolutely straight and that is how he was. As long as you gave him 100%, he was fine. From a player's perspective, you knew exactly where you stood. Again, if you gave 100% at all times, there were no problems. That is all you can give."

At the conclusion of today's match, Ferguson will have been in the dugout for 1,500 United matches.