Sir Alex Ferguson to Deliver Motivational Talk to Europe's 2014 Ryder Cup Team

Manchester United's legendary ex-manager Sir Alex Ferguson will inspire Europe's Ryder Cup team ahead of the 2014 tournament at Gleneagles.

The 72-year-old retired from management last summer, but his record of motivating teams during his lengthy managerial career is unparallelled.

In addition, the Scot is a keen amateur golfer and will be speaking on his home soil ahead of Friday's start.

What he'll say remains to be seen, though Europe captain Paul McGinley gave some clues on Tuesday, per Ben Rumsby of The Telegraph:

"

Although I am not a Manchester United fan, I always loved the way his teams played

The more I met him the more it seemed a natural fit.

We have met a number of times over the last few months for lunch. He has asked me a lot of questions, he is a big fan of golf, but not everyone who will be in the room is a Manchester United fan so it should be interesting.

This is part of the template. It’s not something we’re doing differently, and I think there’s a lot to be gained.

The whole idea tonight is not be a headmaster telling them what to do. He’s very aware of that. Obviously, I’m aware of that, too. This is very relaxed. This is a conversation.

There will be questions coming back at him. They all love football and a chance to spend a bit of time with one of the greats in soccer doesn’t come around very often, particularly somebody they all admire.

In my dealings with him, he’s been absolutely fantastic and I know he’ll be great with the players.

"

Ferguson, as McGinley alluded to, is not the first high-profile figure to speak to the European team.

In 2012, captain Jose Maria Olazabal enlisted current Bayern Munich manager and compatriot Pep Guardiola to speak to the team. Colin Montgomerie, leading the side in 2010, asked rugby icon Gareth Edwards to rouse the troops.

Team USA have also called on famous figures to talk to the players ahead of golf's most famous team event.

Most famously, George W. Bush (who was elected president the following year) spoke to the team in Brookline, Massachusetts, on the Saturday of the 1999 Ryder Cup.

That year, Team USA turned around a 10-6 deficit going into the singles matches to steal a 14.5-13.5 victory.