Ferguson flies in for niece's wedding

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson flew in for 24 hours to attend his niece's wedding at the Radisson SAS Golden Sands Resort on Friday night, The Sunday Times has learnt.

Sir Alex, a frequent visitor, must have imparted his affinity with the island because his family have been holidaying in Malta for several years. A spirited Scot, his favourite haunt on the island is the Scotsman Pub in Paceville.

The wedding was a lavish dinner for some 200 guests on one of the hotel's terraces overlooking the postcard views of Golden Sands beach and the cliffs, sources said.

While Sir Alex left yesterday, the newly-weds plan to stay for a few more days.

Celebrated as the most successful manager in British football history - winning more than 30 trophies - Sir Alex was last in Malta in February. He had flown in with players Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes to mark the 50th anniversary of Malta's Manchester United Supporters' Club, which is recognised as United's oldest registered supporters' club.