The Man U manager was in town to do a favour for his chum Ged Mason, chief executive of Morson Projects.

The pair flew over from Manchester on the Morson corporate jet to do the honours at the opening of the design consultancy's new offices at Weaver's Court.

During a brief address, Sir Alex waxed lyrical about Belfast's football heritage.

The managerial maestro also disclosed that his background was in industry - he trained as toolmaker in Scotland before taking up his illustrious football career.

During his tour of the premises, where 50 people are employed, he showed particular interest in new computer modelling systems for aircraft parts.

But anyone hoping for the lowdown on the Cristiano Ronaldo saga was in for a disappointment.

Journalists were warned in advance their visit would be "terminated" if they so much as thought about asking a question about Man Utd.

The deal was that questions had to be restricted to Morson Engineering, which, fascinating though it is, is not quite as big a talking point as the future of the talented Portuguese forward.

No free tickets for the Stretford end but the genial Ferguson did agree to sign autographs and posed for photographs.

And with that, it was time for Ferguson and Mason to take wing. Maybe next time round he will have a chance to look at Northern Ireland's new national stadium.