Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly pulled out of the northern Football Writers' Association awards dinner at the last minute.

The event, which was held in Manchester on Sunday, was scheduled to honour the Scotsman, who retired from management at the end of last season after 27 years in charge at Old Trafford.

Ferguson, who was invited to the dinner in August, missed the event due to family commitments, according to the Daily Mail.

Meanwhile, Ferguson will face the press this afternoon in London to answer questions about his new autobiography.