The soldier's story that might just change your opinion of Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United

By Brian McNally

Published 14:08 04/12/09

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Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United are often fair game for the green-with-envy brigade.

Eleven Premier League titles and cup wins galore have made them a regular target for those football people of a jealous disposition.

I'm not a United fan but I do have a grudging admiration for what they have achieved, even if I have had the odd pop at the antics of Fergie and his players.

But I discovered recently that behind that gruff Glaswegian exterior lies a man with a heart of gold.

A young Scottish soldier, Corporal Paul Findlay, of the 19 Light Brigade, told me of the kindness that Fergie and United had extended to himself and some other soldiers seriously wounded in the Afghanistan conflict.

They enjoyed what the soldiers described as the two best days of their lives as they were feted by Fergie and United stars at both the Carrington training ground and Old Trafford.

It was what Corporal Findlay, a Rangers fan, described as an act of generosity way beyond the call of duty.

What made the story especially fascinating was the stick that had been previously dished out to Fergie because his club didn't have a poppy emblazoned on their shirts for Remembrance weekend.

But if hadn't been for Corporal Findlay's willingness to praise Fergie's compassion and consideration the story would have never seen the light of day. It was made quite clear to me that the Manchester United manager prefers to keep his good deeds private.

Fergie isn't everyone's cup of tea, but for me his actions behind closed doors proved he is a class act.

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