Former Manchester United player Quinton Fortune on Tuesday cherished his playing career at Old Trafford saying the footballing culture there makes it stand apart from rest of the Premier League outfits.

Speaking at a launching of Gulf products in Kathmandu, the 39-year-old former South African midfielder-cum-defender said the rich tradition, great academy, great stadium and dressing room itself give a sense of greatness. He had great words for now-retired manager Sir Alex Ferguson, saying his exemplary management skills   was key to United success during his 26-year tenure that yielded him 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Uefa Champions League titles.

“He was a special manager, who spoke to everyone at the club and even knew groundsmen by their names,” recalled Quinton, who made 76 appearances for United in seven years since joining from Atletico Madrid in 1999. “He made everyone at the club special (by his approach) creating an environment of a family... I can go on and on in praise of the manager but for me what stands unique is his ability to motivate players and staffs.” Despite all his achievements, Quinton believed, Ferguson always remained humble.

Quinton said it was natural that the club is taking time to adjust to the style of new manager since the retirement of Ferguson in 2012-13. “Ferguson himself took a few years to implement his style of game at Old Trafford before embarking on a remarkable career. The new manager also requires some time to implement his philosophy before the club start reaping rewards,” said Quinton of United’s recent slide in English football.

Fortune moved to Europe at the age of 14 to play for Tottenham Hotspur but work permit issues had him move to Spain with Mallorca in 1995 where he played eight games. He joined Atletico a year later, but during his three years there he made only six appearances in La Liga. He then moved to United in 1999 and after seven years at Old Trafford, he was released in 2005-06. He joined Bolton Wanderers on a one-year contract but injuries limited his playing times.

After trial periods with Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland and Sheffield United, he eventually moved to Italian club Brescia in October 2008. After only four months there, he signed for Belgian club Tubize on a short-term contract, before another return to England with Doncaster Rovers for the first half of the 2009–10 season. He also earned 46 caps for South Africa, and played at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups.