Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson makes intriguing £1.2m property purchase with League One link

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson is making moves in the property market, selling his £3.5 million family home in favour of a more modest Cheshire village house valued at £1.2 million.

The historic manager has put his former residence on the market following the passing of his wife Cathy last month. The Fergusons' former house is found on what estate agents label 'one of Cheshire's most desirable roads' with a 'very private, gated and secure' plot'.

For those wanting to bid on the former Red Devils boss' home, the £3.5 million property comes with a huge reception area, a wrap-around staircase with a chandelier, its own gym, a dressing room and a games room. The home was last sold for £2.3 million in 2007 and is being offered without a chain.

Sir Alex is reported to be upping sticks having acquired a new five-bedroom property in Goostrey with the goal of being closer to his son Darren and some of his 12 grandchildren. Darren Ferguson is in the world of football himself and is currently in charge of League One club Peterborough United.

The Daily Mail reports that Darren lives next door to Sir Alex's new property, despite Goostrey being 130 miles away from Peterborough. The Manchester United hero tends to keep a close eye on his son's progress and was in attendance at the Lamex Stadium in Stevenage on Tuesday as the side hosted the Posh, which proved to be a thrilling encounter that ended 2-2.

The 81-year-old was all smiles as he watched on from the stands alongside Peterborough director of football Barry Fry. After his visit, Stevenage FC took to X and wrote: "We hope Sir Alex enjoyed his evening at The Lamex Stadium tonight."

League One action isn't quite the high levels which Sir Alex became used to as manager but the footballing legend could become a familiar face at third-tier games as he looks to spend more time with his son - he was also present to watch Peterborough United beat Burton Albion 4-0 at the Weston Homes Stadium.

Darren Ferguson took the Peterborough job in January and led the side to the play-offs last year, only to be defeated in the semi-final by Sheffield Wednesday in dramatic style. It's been another solid start to this season with the Posh sitting fifth in the table with 10 wins from their opening 19 fixtures. The side are next in action this weekend with an FA Cup second-round meeting with Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.