Sir Alex Ferguson will go down as one of the greatest managers to have ever lived.

The former Manchester United gaffer was the genius behind the club's glory years, leading them to a plunder of titles in his bid to knock the old enemy Liverpool off their perch.

A staggering thirteen Premier League titles, to go with two Champions League triumphs were the highlight moments during Ferguson's time in charge of United.

His ability to build title winning teams was unrivalled as he painstakingly crafted an aura of near-invincibility around Old Trafford and United.

His playing days, however, weren't quite so heady as Ferguson struggled to really make a mark in the world of football.

While he made 41 appearances for Rangers, it's safe to say that Ferguson's days in management were far more successful than his days with the boots on.

Ferguson with the Premier League trophy.

Football - Manchester United v Swansea City - Barclays Premier League - Old Trafford - 12/5/13

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates winning the Barclays Premier League with the trophy

Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason Cairnduff

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There were however, two occasions when management and playing overlapped for Ferguson as he brought himself on during friendlies for St. Mirren and later for Manchester United.

It was the St. Mirren clash that will live long int he memory as, per an extract from his autobiography, Ferguson seemed to make quite the impact.

During a pre-season tour of the Caribbean, Ferguson watched a Guyana national team player regularly take chunks out of his players before deciding to take matters into his own hands.

Alex Ferguson brings himself on for St. Mirren

Accepting that no help would come from the referee, turning to his assistant, Ferguson said:

That's it, I'm coming on. That big bastard is taking liberties...

Within minutes, he was on the pitch exacting his revenge but, unfortunately, he took it a bit too far and was given his marching orders by the referee.

You can read the full story in the tweet below:

Incredible. If that story doesn't sum up the fiery Scot, then nothing will.

Alex Ferguson's one appearance for Manchester United

Sadly, the one occasion that Ferguson played for United was far less eventful, as the Red Devils were battered the Somerset Trojans 4-1.

Based off that evidence, it's probably for the best that Ferguson never left the confines of the dugout again and instead, shared his genius from the sidelines.