Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson stuns diners at modest £13 a head Italian restaurant

Fergie posed for photos with staff after his meal at Little Italy in Dronfield.
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Legendary footie manager Sir Alex Ferguson surprised the owners of an Italian restaurant after turning up for evening dinner with his family.

Diners were stunned to see to the ex-Manchester United gaffer, dressed in a blue suit and tie, at the moderately-priced Little Italy Restaurant, in Dronfield, Derbyshire. Sir Alex, who won every major trophy during his time as Old Trafford supremo, posed for pictures with smiling staff after the meal.

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Stunned business owner Plamena Mincheva said she’d received a booking under the name of “Ferguson” a week before his arrival. But she hadn’t twigged it was the most successful gaffer in British footballing history until he came through the front door.

She said: “He was booked one week before, but we didn’t know it was him. It was just under the name of Ferguson. We didn’t ask him if it was a special occasion. He was just with his family. It was very private.”

The restaurant offers a range of pizzas on its menu, from their Margherita at £13.95 to their most expensive Calzone Diavola at £16.95.

And diners can also enjoy a range of meat, fish and pasta dishes, including their £13.95 Linguine Bolognese or their £29.95 Beef Fillet.

Sir Alex Ferguson posed for pictures with staff at Little Italy Restaurant, in Dronfield, Derbyshire Credit: SWNSSir Alex Ferguson posed for pictures with staff at Little Italy Restaurant, in Dronfield, Derbyshire Credit: SWNS
Sir Alex Ferguson posed for pictures with staff at Little Italy Restaurant, in Dronfield, Derbyshire Credit: SWNS
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The restaurant wrote on social media: “What a pleasure it was serving such a gentleman. We feel very privileged that he chose to dine with us. What a Legend! We hope to see him again in the future!”

One diner said on social media: “We were in there and saw him come in. Fantastic restaurant, food and staff.” Another replied: “Must be good if Sir Alex Ferguson has been”.

Sir Alex was once famously struck with a slice of pizza by Cesc Fabregas after an ill-tempered game with Arsenal at Old Trafford in 2004, leaving him covered in sauce.

The brawl - dubbed Pizzagate - took place after United beat the Gunners 2-0 at Old Trafford, ending their unbeaten 49-match streak.

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Both sides came to blows after the game as they trudged off the pitch while Arsene Wenger exchanged heated words with his counterpart on the touchline. But Fabregas, speaking years after the legendary encounter, said he didn’t have the “courage” to fight so instead launched a slice of pizza into the mele, which hit Ferguson.