Sir Alex Ferguson has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former assistant Walter Smith after his death aged 73.
Smith was Fergie's No.2 at Old Trafford for a brief spell, joining United towards the end of the 2003/04 season, at the end of which they won the FA Cup.
The legendary Rangers boss was appointed manager of the Scotland national team soon after, but he maintained a good relationship with Ferguson, who has spoken out on his friend's passing.
"I am absolutely devastated," said Ferguson, adding: "Walter was a special person. He fought his illness with great courage. He was a great friend of mine for years and years.
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"In all that time you were dealing with a man with a great moral compass in how he lived his life and the friendship he offered so many people.
"His contribution to football with Dundee United, Rangers, Scotland, Everton and Man United was immense."
Ferguson then detailed the impact hiring Smith had on his troops at Old Trafford.
"He was only at United a short time. But he was fantastic," Ferguson added.
"I lost Carlos Queiroz to Real Madrid and I knew I needed an assistant so I phoned Walter about it and he came for six months and helped us win the FA Cup against Millwall.
"He had a wonderful connection with people because he was a great listener, that was one of his greatest qualities.
"He listened and showed an interest in people and helped everyone he could. It's such a loss to the game and to everyone that knew him.
"I send my sincere condolences to his wife Ethel and his two sons Neil and Steven. I'll miss him greatly."
Current Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has also hailed Smith and explained how he had become like a mentor to him at Ibrox.
Gerrard told Rangers TV: "Walter was an incredible leader, a very successful manager here at Rangers and he epitomised everything this club stands for. His DNA is all over the club and it's obviously very sad news.
"He has been right behind me since day one. We had many lunches and dinners and coffees and chats and private time with him in my office. He is obviously going to be a very big loss and a miss to a lot of people.
"He is decorated all over the club and he will be forever because he gave many, many years to this football club.
"He loved the club, he was honest, he was genuine. And he has made me a better person. I have got nothing but good words to say."
Smith led Rangers to 21 major trophies over two spells at the club, including 10 Scottish Premier League titles.
Ex-Gers striker Ally McCoist was a big part of the club's success during Smith's first tenure and delivered an emotional tribute on TalkSport.
During his touching speech, McCoist said: “I could sit here and tell you about Walter Smith until the cows come home, about how good a manager, how good a coach, how good a football man he was.
“But what I will say is he was the best husband, the best father, the best friend – everything you’d expect in a man."
