The Scot was honoured in the queen's birthday list after guiding United to victory in the English Premiership, FA Cup and European Cup last season.

After receiving his knighthood at Buckingham Palace, Ferguson said: ``The queen told me she doesn't think it will ever be achieved again -- and she's right.''

``The culmination of three trophies was the pinnacle of my career and it has been rewarded with a knighthood,'' said Sir Alex, sporting a kilt in dress Ferguson tartan.

``It's such a proud moment for me, my family and for the club -- because it it a team effort. This is the medal that recognises all the other ones I've won in football.''

``Football management is all about winning trophies and I'll be happy maintaining success. I don't set any particular targets -- just win what you can.''

Now Dumbarton Football Club, who play in the Scottish thirddivision, have lined up Sir Alex to appear in Robert Duvall's movie The Cup, which is being filmed at the club's Boghead Ground.

Already 1,400 free tickets have been given out for scenes being shot at the ground this Sunday when Sir Alex is due to play a cameo role seated in the directors box.

Club spokesman Ian MacFarlane said a good crowd for the club would normally be just over 600.

``It will be tremendous for us, and the spin-offs of the film have been wonderful,'' Macfarlane said. ``People have been falling over us to talk about sponsorship and trackside advertising.''

Club managing director Neil Rankin and director Jim Innes approached Sir Alex at a dinner in Blackpool, where he told them he would welcome the chance to appear in the film, which stars Scottish football great Ally McCoist.

Glasgow-born Sir Alex has strong links with the club and took his Manchester United team to play in a friendly at Boghead in the summer of 1991 when goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel made his first appearancefor the team.

The film follows a team of no-hopers who make it to the Scottish Cup final and also stars Alec Baldwin, Billy Connolly and Alan Cumming.