Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Eric Harrison as one of the "greatest coaches of our time" after the former youth team boss and mentor to the much-vaunted Class of '92 died at the age of 81.

Harrison, responsible for forging the fledgeling careers of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Gary and Phil Neville among others, was diagnosed with dementia four years ago.

He was awarded an MBE for services to football just over 12 months ago.

"Eric's contribution to football and not just at Manchester United was incredible," said Ferguson.

"When I came as the manager I was lucky enough to have Eric on the staff as head of youth development, so I got to see the work he did and not just with the Class of 92 but with all the young players.

"He built character and determination in those young players and prepared them for the future.

"He was a teacher, he gave these players a path, a choice and he only did that through his own hard work and sacrifice.

"He was able to impart that education to the young which made him one of the greatest coaches of our time."