Jonathan Greening has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson made sure his Manchester United debut would be a family occasion.

Over an hour before kick-off, Ferguson revealed the good news to Greening that he would start - leaving very little time to get friends and family to the game... well, that's what Greening thought.

Ferguson had already invited the midfielder's family to Old Trafford, which Greening says was 'first-class' from the Scot.

Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokesat its launch of the 5-A-Side Bet on Man Utd v Man City, Greening revealed: "Ferguson was brilliant with me; I remember on my debut, he didn't tell me I was playing - he told me I'd be in the squad.

"About an hour and a half before kick-off the gaffer finally told me I was starting, and I was like 'brilliant'.

"I wanted to get in touch with my mum and dad but Fergie had already invited them, along with the rest of my family - without me knowing; so they knew I was making my debut before I did.

"That was absolutely first class from him, and it brought the best out of me because I think I got man of the match in that game."