AS DION Dublin begins his retirement from professional football, the striker's former manager Alex Ferguson has praised the career of the 39 year-old and his time at Old Trafford.

Speaking to the Eastern Daily Press ahead of United's showdown in the Premier League and a trip to Moscow for the Champions League Final, Sir Alex told the paper what a great man the former striker is.

"First of all, he was a fantastic professional in his time with us," he said.

"He was one of the few players we signed from watching videos. His manager sent a pile of videos of him playing and from that we agreed to sign him. He played a few games and then had the great misfortune to break his leg and it practically killed his career at the club in a way, because we had to sign another forward and that ended up being Eric Cantona."

Dublin joined United from Cambridge United in 1992

Dion Dublin returned from his leg injury but found it hard to find first team appearances. The striker had slipped down the pecking order, but at his own admission he was in good company with the likes of Cantona, Hughes and Scholes as competition at Old Trafford.

"He recovered and played a few games for me at centre-half and forward, and his attitude and character made him an absolute hero with the kids and the reserve team won three trophies in a row during his time as captain," said Ferguson.

Dublin celebrates scoring against Oldham for the Red Devils

"I got a good offer in from Coventry and it was a good opportunity for Dion to get first team football. But Dion was an absolute star and a really nice fellow. Once you get to know him, his personality captures you a bit."

Dion is about to take a well-earned break after over 20 years in the game, but will be back in August on the other side of the white line after signing a two-year contract with Sky television. With such a presence on and off the pitch it was a surprise to many that Dublin has not gone into coaching, something that the big striker said was not in his plans right now, but Ferguson believes that Dublin will be a success in whatever he does.

"Some people weigh up whether they are made for coaching and management and what comes with it.

"He certainly could have gone into coaching, but going into the media he'll do well. He's got a good personality and a good presence."