Alex Ferguson reaches 25 years in charge of Manchester United on Sunday, embarking upon his second quarter century with the same vigor that he began the first.

Ferguson's 27 major titles with United make him the most successful manager in British football history. The 69-year-old Ferguson's seemingly contradictory combination of iron will and tactical flexibility has led United great Bobby Charlton to call him "a genius."

Already the longest serving manager in United history, Ferguson reaches the landmark the day after his side hosts Sunderland in the Premier League in his 1,409th match in charge.

Ferguson arrived at Old Trafford in November 1986 with the grand ambition of unseating Liverpool as the dominant force in English football. Liverpool had just become the first side to win the league and cup double since 1971 and counted 16 league titles to United's seven.

But the Scottish manager has brought United 12 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, five FA Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup. Last season's Premier League title took United to 19.