Blackburn Rovers assistant manager Eric Black has claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson is the greatest manager of all time.

The Manchester United boss is preparing to face Blackburn on Monday evening and his former player Black was generous with praise towards the Scot.

Black told The Mirror: "It's his hunger and desire to be successful that won't let him drop below his standards.

"Fergie is always pushing for the next level. Once he climbs Everest he is looking for the next mountain and then he's off. It's phenomenal management. He can go on as long as he wants. I have not seen any signs of him stopping.

"He has to be the best manager ever and I don't hesitate to say that. I worked with Jock Stein, who was like a god to me, and I have read about Bill Shankly and them all."

Manchester United are currently first in the Premier League.