Fergie’s planely the right choice

SIR ALEX FERGUSON

NEARLY a third of Manchester residents would like to see Manchester International Airport renamed in Sir Alex Ferguson’s honour.

Over 30 per cent of people across Manchester chose the former United manager in a poll by travel company Holiday Extras following reports that Birmingham Airport could be renamed in honour of William Shakespeare.

As the longest serving manager of Manchester United, he won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles and two European Champions League trophies. Just as many women as men voted in favour of his name being in the airport’s title.

Comedian Peter Kay came a distant second, with 14 per cent of the vote and Nineties indie band The Stone Roses were third on 11 per cent.

Fergie held particular appeal for the over-45s age group, with 36 per cent voting for him.

But will it ever happen?

Ant Clarke Cowell, communications director at Holiday Extras, said: “While we’re not aware of any plans to change the name at the airport. British treasures such as Robin Hood and Shakespeare have been used to highlight other UK airports, so we decided to explore what famous personality the people of Manchester would choose for theirs. It’s not surprising that the sporting legend that is Sir Alex Ferguson came top.”