A FITTING figure from the football world performed the official opening of the Red Hall Hotel - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

To add to the “red” connection, it turned out predecessor Sir Matt Busby attended the opening of the Red Hall’s sister hotel in the Lake District 23 years ago.

Sir Alex made a flying visit to the hotel on Wednesday morning prior to his team’s Carling Cup clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He was invited by close friends, the Kilroe family, who are behind its recent £5M refurbishment.

Tim Kilroe Senior became friends with Sir Alex when he took up the manager’s job at Old Trafford.

When Tim Snr was diagnosed with cancer, Sir Alex was one of the main supporters of the Kilroe family’s campaign to raise thousands of pounds for the Christie Hospital through their Light For Christie’s Appeal.

Tim sadly died in February 2004 but Sir Alex has continued to support the family’s campaign which has raised £750,000 for The Christie.

Sir Alex said: “I wouldn’t normally attend an event like this on a matchday, but I have known the Kilroe family ever since I first came to Manchester.

“In fact, their hotel the Four Seasons in Hale was the very first place I stayed.

“The Kilroe family are all so close – much like my own family and I was delighted to come to the hotel and cut the ribbon. I wish them and the hotel every success.”

Hotels Operations Director Brian Conroy added: “It is very fitting to have the Manchester United manager open our hotel after Sir Matt was at the opening of our sister hotel, the Abbey Hall Hotel in 1986.”

The Red Hall Hotel has undergone a £5 million refurbishment transforming it into a 21st century venue whilst retaining its links to local heritage.