Ferguson contributes to United memorabilia at Midani Collection

February 10 saw the culmination of a lifelong dream for born and bred Manchester United supporter Joseph Farrugia.

Farrugia, who has amassed a staggering collection of Red Devils memorabilia over the last 40 years, has spent nearly two years transforming a run-of-the-mill garage in San Ġwann into a museum which now houses the Midani Collection.

The collection derives its name from an incident that took place about 20 years ago when Farrugia met manager Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

A group of supporters, convinced that he must be a player or team official persisted in asking him for his autograph. Ferguson jokingly said 'sign as Midani' referring to one of the directors at Old Trafford... the nickname has since stuck.

That Farrugia is an ardent supporter of his team is no secret to those who know him, but the fact that team officials obviously hold him in high regard was highlighted at the museum's official opening last week.

On display, were the three major trophies United hold at the moment; the Champions League and Premier League trophies as well as the FIFA World Club Cup.

Besides Sir Alex, other distinguished guests on the night included club stalwarts Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville and past legends Jack Crompton and Paddy Crerand.

These personalities and other officials from the club mingled with guests, marvelling over the items on display including one of George Best's shirts and an array of David Beckham memorabilia.

One particular item which caught the Manchester United manager's eye was a shirt worn by Sir Bobby Charlton, possibly at his testimonial match.

The oldest exhibit is a wooden engraving of the team coat-of-arms which has been in the family for over 40 years. In contrast, the latest additions include a tracksuit worn by Sir Alex and one of his 'Manager of the Month Award' mementos. There's also the shirts worn by the Neville brothers during the latest Man. United vs Everton match.

"The memory of Sir Alex unveiling the commemorative plaque will stay with me for all my life," Farrugia said.

The Midani Collection, located at "Manchester United, the Treble, 1999" Triq San Ġwann Tal-Għorgħar, San Ġwann (tel: 27018833/9949-6622), will be open to members of the Manchester United Supporters Club tomorrow, next Wednesday and Friday from 5.30 to 7.30 p.m. The collection will then be closed.

"Friends and people involved in the tourism industry keep urging me to open the collection to the public but I prefer to keep it a private thing for the time being," Farrugia said.