FORMER Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has officially unveiled a new cardiac suite at a hospital which treated him.

The Wilmslow resident was joined by ex-United and Manchester City star Denis Law CBE to cut the ribbon at BMI The Alexandra Hospital’s new hybrid theatre, in Cheadle.

Both football legends have been treated at the hospital for cardiac problems in recent years, and Denis was the first patient to be treated at its new ‘cath lab’ when he was fitted with a pacemaker in February.

Sir Alex said: “BMI The Alexandra celebrated its 35th anniversary last year and is held dear in the hearts of many people living in the region.

“Yet again, The Alex is leading the way, with the first private hybrid theatre in the north west. It’s a fantastic facility for people with heart problems, with wonderful staff.”

The new unit provides patients with suspected heart, circulation or neurological conditions with a more precise diagnosis, quicker recovery time from operations and less exposure to x-ray radiation.

The unit is also able to offer the transcatheter valve implantation (TAVI) procedure, a lifesaving procedure for those suffering from narrowing of the aorta, but who are not suitable for open heart surgery.

“The cardiac staff and facilities here at BMI The Alexandra are excellent,” Denis added.

“I am so grateful to them for looking after me so well – they really make the effort to ensure that you, as the patient, are number one.”