Source: Team_Talk
Skipper hails 'superb' Strachan
The Scotland defender's career took off when Strachan, who quit the club on Monday, took over from Martin O'Neill in 2005 and he was one of the first names on the team sheet in subsequent years.
As well as being an integral part of a Celtic squad that won three Scottish Premier League titles, one Scottish Cup and two Co-Operative Insurance Cups, McManus helped the Hoops reach the last-16 of the Champions League two years running.
He also broke in to the Scotland side to become the regular partner of Hoops team mate Gary Caldwell.
The hunt for Strachan's successor is under way but McManus waxed lyrical about the former Coventry and Southampton manager's time at Celtic Park, claiming Strachan had been "different class."
"The gaffer has been a massive influence on my career and I have a lot to thank him for," McManus told Celtic View.
"He gave me an extended run in the first team when he arrived in 2005 and he appointed me captain a couple of years later.
"The players are all sad to see the manager go because we've had a lot of success under him over the last four years. It's been an incredible time in our careers.
"He's worked with a lot of players and has done so much for the club, but he obviously thinks it's time to move on and we all respect that.
"It's been a great four years at Celtic. He's been different class and his record speaks for itself.
"Nobody can knock his achievements at Celtic. He's been superb."
McManus believes Strachan has left behind a lasting legacy at Parkhead.
He continued: "I have a lot to thank him for but it's not just about me.
"Over the last four years, he's built successful teams and he's left behind a great squad of players.
"We are a young squad at Celtic and many of us have still to reach our peak.
"The manager brought us together and I think he's been brilliant for the club."
