Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he "loved" defender Jamie Carragher, despite the long-running rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool.

The former England international will hang up his boots after Sunday's final match at Anfield against Queens Park Rangers following 16 years in the first team.

While Carragher prepares to wave farewell to his playing career, Ferguson will retire as manager of the Red Devils after 26 years at the helm.

"He's absolutely a player I admire," Ferguson told Liverpool's forthcoming Carragher documentary. "He's the epitome of a loyal, dedicated player who Liverpool have been lucky to have for more than a decade.

"He's been a bedrock of their defensive qualities for years and years. I loved him. He's a fantastic example for any young lad that wants to play the game. He's been a really, really good professional."

Carragher faced Ferguson's United teams 33 times.