Maurice Watkins, the man who helped bring Sir Alex Ferguson to Utd, dies aged 79

Former Manchester United director Maurice Watkins CBE, who brought Sir Alex Ferguson to the Premier League club in 1986, has passed away aged 79.

Watkins spent 28 years at Old Trafford before retiring in 2012 and was involved in some of the biggest decisions the club has made in that period.

Not only was Watkins crucial in appointing Ferguson, who went on to become the most successful manager in United's history, to the club - but he also convinced the Scot to stay on as manager when he threatened to quit in 2001.

His final role in sport saw him take up the role of British Swimming chairman, with Team GB enjoying their most successful Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer just before his passing.