BOSTON — After years of giving pointers to football players, Alex Ferguson will pass his knowledge along to executives.

The former Manchester United manager has been hired by Harvard Business School for a long-term position.

He will lecture to senior executives from around the world as part of a new program — “The Business of Entertainment, Media and Sports.” The hiring was announced Thursday.

Anita Elberse, a professor of business administration, developed a case study in 2012 involving Ferguson, who retired after the 2012-13 season. Ferguson has participated in Elberse’s classes and called his time at Harvard a “stimulating experience.”

Under Ferguson, United won 13 Premier League titles, the Champions League twice and five FA Cups.