Harvard Business School has hired Alex Ferguson, the former manager of the Manchester United soccer team, to teach in its executive education programme.

Ferguson (72), whose coaching methods have been used for an HBS case study, will teach in a new Business of Entertainment, Media and Sports program in May, the school in Boston said on its website.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity and privilege to contribute to such a respected centre of excellence,” Ferguson, who won 13 league titles during his time at Old Trafford, said. “The time I have already spent at Harvard has been a stimulating experience and I look forward to developing my relationship and activities with the students, faculty and friends of the Harvard Business School community.”

Ferguson, who led United to the title in his final season in charge, has given lectures at the Ivy League university in the past. He retired from managing Manchester United last year. He is the most successful manager in British soccer, with 49 trophies in 39 years, and was knighted in 1999. At Manchester United, he developed players including David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo and won 13 league championships.

Ferguson is joining Harvard for a “long-term teaching position”, according to the website.

"We look forward to welcoming Sir Alex Ferguson on the HBS campus to share his remarkable leadership journey, and contribute to our Executive Education participants' ability to make a profound difference in the world," said Anita Elberse, a Harvard Business professor who developed the case study with Ferguson. (Agencies)