Retired Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has turned down a peerage and seat in House of Lords.

The Mirror says has decided to turn down the chance of becoming a lord after vowing to put his wife Cathy first.

There was a clamour for Labour-supporting Sir Alex to be given the honour when he quit as manager of Manchester United in May.

One friend, however, said: "He's a Labour supporter and will always try to help the party. But he made it clear he's not interested. It's not for him."