And during the course of those 20 years, Sir Alex has seen many changes to the way the club deals with children and young people. Recent child-protection legislation has had a considerable impact. "Every coach has to do a child-protection programme - I had to do it myself," he says.
"We're dealing with young people today in a completely different way. You're ever mindful about how close you can get to children."
Even he has concerns about working with young people and children, despite his standing in the game. He says: "Do you know what my wife said to me the other day? 'Don't ever put a child on your lap for a photo.' I go to a game and a parent says: 'Will you pose for a photograph with my child?' The child is three years of age and you're thinking: 'Watch where your hands are.' It's incredible. But that's the world we're in today.
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