Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has given his backing to Aberdeen’s controversial City Garden Project.

Sir Alex, who was manager of Aberdeen FC when they won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983, has said the £140m project to transform Union Terrace Gardens would “re-invigorate” the city centre.

Sir Alex said: "I am hugely proud of my links to Aberdeen with its long and illustrious history but on my last visit to the city just before Christmas I felt that Union Street and one or two of the streets off there that I was in were somewhat down at the heel and need to have something to kick-start the city centre to make it something of which we can all be proud.

"I know that change does not come readily to many people, but in all walks of life change is needed from time to time simply to re-invigorate.

"I think that the City Garden Project has the potential to assist the regeneration of the city centre and provide much more usable facilities for future generations.

"I would urge everyone not to be scared of change and to look upon this as an opportunity and something which will allow Aberdeen to be favourably compared with cities both in the UK and further afield."

Aberdeen businessman Sir Ian Wood has pledged £50m towards the project.  

A public referendum is being held next month to decide if the project gets the green light.

Voting packs will be sent out to Aberdeen residents later this month with a result expected on March 2.