Why might Sir Alex Ferguson need extra security when Manchester United visit Preston?

Reports suggest there will an increase in safety measures around the former manager when the sides meet in the FA Cup

Simon Rice
Saturday 14 February 2015 14:33 GMT
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Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson

The visit of Manchester United to Preston, and in particular their former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, has led the League One side to ramp up security around the FA Cup tie it's claimed.

The Telegraph report that Manchester United informed their FA Cup fifth round opponents that Ferguson, now a director at the club, was planning to attend Deepdale on Monday night and extra security measures are being put in place as a result.

But why is the presence of the most successful ever British manager a cause for concern?

It stems back to December 2010 and the dismissal of Ferguson's son Darren as manager of Preston. The then Championship club dismissed Ferguson junior after he led the team to just 13 wins from 49 games and oversaw the club hitting the bottom of the table.

The dismissal triggered Ferguson senior to immediately recall two Manchester United players whom he had loaned out to Deepdale. Ritchie de Laet and Josh King returned to Old Trafford, whilst the loan of Matty James was curtailed.

Preston were ultimately relegated and have not returned to the Championship since.

Darren Ferguson

The decision to recall the players was perceived as spiteful by many Preston fans and as such there are concerns that Ferguson could be targeted by supporters when Manchester United visit on Monday night.

The Telegraph report that there will be extra security measures in place around the directors' box and the main reception area for what is Manchester United's first competitive fixture at Deepdale since 1972.

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