Sir Alex Ferguson was honoured in Germany on Friday night as the former Manchester United boss was presented with the Walther Bensemann prize.

Ferguson, 74, took to the stage at a ceremony in Nuremberg to receive the prestigious award, given to people who have done outstanding work in football.

The Scot said: 'I think to last 39 years as a coach is unique and also that the people I worked with bought into the work ethic I had, I think that was important.'

Sir Alex Ferguson receives the Walther Bensemann prize in Nuremberg on Friday night

Ferguson watched Manchester United in action with Sam Allardyce 24 hours earlier

Ferguson celebrates the 38th and final trophy of his long reign at Manchester United in 2013

Ferguson is regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all-time after winning 38 trophies during his 26 years with Manchester United.

He also achieved success at Aberdeen, winning three Scottish league titles, four Scottish Cups and most famously the Cup Winners' Cup in 1983 with victory in the final against Real Madrid.

The award honours the memory of Bensemann, who is regarded as a pioneer of German football. He founded leading German sports magazine Kicker in 1920 before dying at the age of 61 in 1934.

Ferguson bids farewell to the fans in May 2013 after 26 years at Manchester United

Ferguson (left) holds the Cup Winners Cup with his Aberdeen assistant Archie Knox in 1983

Kicker publisher Rainer Holzschuh paid tribute to Ferguson. He said: 'You've changed the English style of play and created a modern football culture.'