Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his sadness following the news that Brian Woolnough lost his battle with bowel cancer this morning.

Woolnough attended a number of Ferguson's press conferences during his career and the United boss was left impressed with the way that the reporter conducted himself.

"I liked him. He was a good man, Brian. He was a good journalist and a good personality," Ferguson told reporters.

"He asked good questions, sometimes too good! It's very sad and my thoughts are with his family at this time."

Woolnough had worked for the Daily Star since 2001.