Ferguson ready for emotional Best send-off

Alex Ferguson will head a Manchester United deputation at George Best’s funeral in Belfast tomorrow before flying back to watch his side take on Portsmouth at Old Trafford.

A charter flight has been arranged to get Ferguson, chief executive David Gill and other United dignitaries into the North and back out again in time for the 5.15pm kick-off.

But, while the timings give little room for error, Ferguson feels it is imperative he joins the anticipated half a million mourners expected to line the streets to bid farewell to the man widely acclaimed as the finest player ever to come from the British Isles.

“It is important we attend the funeral,” said the United manager. “It gives us a chance to meet George’s family for the first time.

“The police and Northern Ireland authorities have arranged everything for us and hopefully it will go without a hiccup.

“It is going to be a very emotional day. There will be thousands of people at the funeral and you can just imagine what it is going to be like.”

Ferguson spoke to Best’s son Calum prior to Wednesday’s Carling Cup tie with West Brom, which was preceded by a perfectly-observed minute’s silence, fans from both clubs holding aloft pictures of the winger in a moving tribute.

United have already confirmed they will hold a minute’s applause prior to tomorrow’s game, which they believe will be more appropriate as the funeral service at Stormont Castle will already have taken place.

Many of Best’s old team-mates, including Denis Law and Harry Gregg, will act as pallbearers on an occasion which is almost state-like.

And, as the makeshift shrine outside Old Trafford continues to grow, striker Ruud van Nistelrooy admits he feels closer to the club as the bond between players and fans becomes increasingly more evident.

“Wednesday was very emotional,” he said.

“It was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful player.

“To be out there on the pitch with the 1968 team and George’s son Calum, the fans holding all the posters was just magical.

“There was such a big collective feeling and I just felt like I was a big part of a special club.”