He was and is Clyde-built, formed in a specific shape recognisable to any Scot of that age. The wonder of Sir Alex Ferguson at 80 is not his obvious individuality or the spectacular success it has spawned but his adherence to principles, emotions and duties that were part of his father, his grandfather, part of a culture that embraced Govan but had a considerable hold on a wider Scotland.
His success was predominantly formed in Scotland, too. The dozens of trophies at Manchester United added considerable lustre to his profile. But he was already great in football terms.