Despite a stuttering start to the new Barclays Premier League season, which saw Ferguson's Manchester United fail to register a win in their opening three fixtures, they kick-started their campaign with a 1-0 home success over Tottenham Hotspur, which initiated an unbeaten run of nine matches, of which they won eight.

Ferguson's side continued to win admirers throughout the season with their free-flowing style of attacking football, and remained well placed at the top of the league for much of the campaign.

narrow defeat

Despite a narrow defeat to closest rivals Chelsea in April setting up a tense finale, United held their nerve to clinch the title with victory at Wigan Athletic and earn Ferguson his 10th Barclays Premier League title since 1993.

The decision was made by the Barclays Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

Following his appointment in November 1986, Ferguson has won a total of 28 trophies with Manchester United, including 10 Barclays Premier League titles between 1993 and 2008.

He has won the most Manager of the Year awards in Barclays Premier League history - this is his eighth - and he has also won more Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month awards than anyone else, with 21 in total.