Tributes are being paid to former Manchester United director Maurice Watkins, who has died aged 79.
Mr Watkins – described by Sir Alex Ferguson as a ‘true gentleman’ – passed away in the early hours of Monday after an illness.
One of the UK’s best known sports lawyers, he was chairman of British Swimming and oversaw a new era in the sport that has seen Team GB’s swimmers become a global force.
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Mr Watkins spent 28 years as a director at Old Trafford until 2012.
He famously brokered the deal to keep Sir Alex at the club after he had decided to quit – with fans chanting his nickname ‘Mo’ from the stands.
A father-of-four and step-father, Mr Watkins had battled prostate cancer for some years.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
He lived in Cheshire with his partner, Elaine.
Paying tribute, Sir Alex told the Manchester Evening News : “Maurice was really supportive during my time as manager and great company.
“In my 26 years there were some rocky…
