Fergie backs World Cup bid

Sir Alex Ferguson today joined forces with Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton in a bid to impress the FIFA team inspecting England's 2018 World Cup bid.

The Scot has thrown his weight behind the bid and joined Charlton in guiding the six FIFA inspectors around Old Trafford, one of the main venues for the bid.

Howard Webb, this year's World Cup final referee, was due to meet the inspectors at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Ferguson said: "The facilities for both players and fans are magnificent, from training grounds to stadia, and the passion of the English people for the game would ensure that everybody would be made to feel welcome.