Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Dion Dublin after the former Norwich striker retired from football.

The 39-year-old joined the Old Trafford side in 1992 and spent two years there with his career at United cut short due to a broken leg, but Ferguson is full of praise for the 39-year-old.

"He was a fantastic professional in his time with us," Ferguson told the Eastern Daily Press. "He played a few games and then had the great misfortune to break his leg and it practically killed his career at the club.

"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."

Ferguson believes that Dublin will be a success in whatever he does following retirement, adding: "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."