Manchester United have tributed manager Sir Alex Ferguson by renaming the North Stand the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.

The Scot, who turns 70 on New Year's Eve, is celebrating his silver anniversary at United this weekend.

Before United's home game with Sunderland both sets of players stood to applaud Ferguson in a guard-of-honour before Ferguson addressed the Old Trafford crowd, describing United as the "best club in the world".

Covers were then lifted from the North Stand to reveal the new sign bearing the new name.

"Alex's contribution to United has been immense and the magnificent stadium we have here at Old Trafford is a testament to his ability and success," said United chief executive David Gill.

"The board felt it right to take this unique step, as well as to commission Philip Jackson to create a statue to go alongside his other great pieces here of Sir Matt and the United Trinity."

United took a 1-0 lead into the break against Sunderland thanks to a Wes Brown own-goal.