Speaking at the Player of the Year awards evening tonight, Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken about the impact this emotional week has had on him.

“On Sunday, I did what I had to do and I thought I did it well,” he said. “I didn’t show my emotion too much. When I announced to the staff, I was a bit blubby, you know. I think, funnily enough, the last few days have been hard and Monday night, after the parade, I slept for 10 hours. I think it was the first time in my life. I was absolutely gone – knackered! I didn’t go in [to work]. I don’t know what time it was but I kept feeling the presence of Cathy coming into the bedroom. I think she was checking I was still alive!”