Ferguson remembers 'special' Puskas

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Ferenc Puskas as "a very special player" following news of the legendary Hungarian's death.

The Manchester United manager met Puskas on more than one occasion and was in the crowd when the former Real Madrid star enjoyed one of the most memorable nights of his career. However, while Ferguson will never forget Puskas' four-goal salvo in the 1960 European Cup final win over Eintracht Frankfurt at Hampden Park, a visit to Ibrox three years later also sticks in the mind.

"I was lucky to see Puskas play quite a few times," said Ferguson. "I have many memories of him. I was at the European Cup final in 1960 but I also saw him score the only goal against Rangers at Ibrox, before he got a hat-trick against them when Real scored six in the second leg."

He added: "In his day he was a special player without question, part of that great period for Hungarian football. How they did not win the World Cup in 1954 is beyond me.

"It is sad news. But when a great player like that passes, you can at least reflect on what a great player he was and the great games he played in."

Puskas was part of the 'Magical Magyars' team that became the first Continental side to beat England at Wembley in 1953, a game Ferguson remembers well.

"There was one point when Puskas cut back inside Billy Wright and took him so far out of the game he had to pay three and six to get back into the ground," he laughed.

"He was a marvellous player in a fantastic team. The following month they went to Scotland and beat them as well.

"The European Cup final at Hampden was amazing. He scored four then but he also got three against Benfica in 1962 when Real Madrid lost.

"Can you imagine scoring a hat-trick in a European Cup final and not winning? That is amazing."