Paul McGinley has hailed the impact that former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had on Europe during the Ryder Cup.

Europe held their nerve to record a 16.5-11.5 victory over USA to retain the showpiece crown at Gleneagles yesterday.

Ferguson, who retired from football management 16 months ago, made numerous appearances over the duration of the weekend in his Scottish homeland.

"My wife gave me some of the best advice I've ever had in my life in the 2002 Ryder Cup when I holed the winning putt," ESPN quotes Europe's captain as saying. "She said, 'don't drink too much, just enjoy these moments.' Alex Ferguson came into the room last night and that's exactly what he said as well.

"He said he felt like he was back in the boiler room, thank you for the pleasure. I bounced ideas off him all week, he didn't preach to me, he didn't tell me what to do but what he did solidified my ideas and he gave me confidence that my hunches were right.

"He also felt that connection with the players. All the players treated him as a friend, having a drink with him, pulling his leg again. It was great to see."

McGinley confirmed earlier today that he will not return as vice captain for the next showdown in 2016.