Former Man Utd veteran dies aged 79

EX-Manchester United director Maurice Watkins has died aged 79.

The solicitor, who had prostate cancer, was a director of the club for 28 years from 1984.

Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, 79, said: “Maurice was great company. He was always there with wise advice.”

The club said they were “deeply saddened”.

He was a director of Lancashire County Cricket Club, Barnsley chairman from 2013 to 2017 and interim chair of the Rugby Football League in 2012.

He helped raise £68m as chair of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital charity appeals board.