Fergie aims to inspire another home win

Manchester United fans may be pining for his glory days but Paul McGinley has ensured European golfers will be benefiting from an Alex Ferguson team talk ahead of their clash with the United States this weekend.

Retired United boss Ferguson addressed Team Europe behind closed doors at Gleneagles last night as McGinley brought in the most successful manager in British football history to inspire his group of 12 players before they begin their quest to retain the Ryder Cup in Scotland on Friday.

Ferguson, who led the Old Trafford side to two Champions League crowns and 13 Premier League titles in a 49-trophy managerial career that also included spells at St Mirren and Aberdeen, was supposed to be a surprise guest speaker for the Europeans last night. Yet he was difficult to ignore at Gleneagles yesterday as walked the PGA Centenary course during the opening practice sessions.