United old boy Pique praises 'unbelievable' Ferguson as Scot nears 25 years in charge

Gerard Pique admits he is flabbergasted at how long Sir Alex Ferguson has remained at the top with Manchester United.

Ferguson will celebrate an incredible 25 years as Old Trafford chief in November.

During that time he has taken a club forever languishing in Liverpool's shadow to the pinnacle of the English game.

Back of the net: Gerard Pique celebrates winning the Champions League final

Last term, they finally knocked Liverpool 'off their perch' by lifting a record 19th league championship and now Ferguson is aiming to fend off new challengers in a bid to make in 20.

Pique spent four seasons at United, having been snapped up from Barcelona as a 17-year-old and made 20 appearances for the club before returning to Catalonia and beginning an unprecedented period of success, which includes a World Cup triumph and two Champions League final wins against his old club.

But Pique has nothing but admiration for Ferguson.

Back in the day: Pique spent four years at United before returning to Spain

And as they prepare to square up in Washington for the final match of United's five-game pre-season tour, Pique spoke of his high regard for the man he used to call boss.

'I have never seen anything like this in Spain,' he said. 'It is unbelievable.

'I was with him for a few years and know why he is there.

'He is a great coach but he also treats the players really well. It is not only in terms of football. No matter what it is, he will be there for you.

Still going strong: Sir Alex Ferguson will soon mark 25 years at United

'He has won so many titles and so many important things.

'All the Manchester United fans are really happy that he has stayed because they never won as much as they do now.

'Most of the is because of him and I hope he stays for many years yet.'