SIR ALEX FERGUSON appeared to have Sir Jim Ratcliffe in stitches as the pair caught up ahead of Sunday’s battle between Manchester United and Chelsea.

Both men were in attendance as the Red Devils took on the Blues in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first Premier League match in caretaker charge.

Sir Alex Ferguson caught up with Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford

Ratcliffe, 72, was in stitches during their chat

The Ineos chief appeared to enjoy catching up with Ferguson

As they took their places in Old Trafford’s posh seats for the 1-1 draw, the duo shook hands.

During their handshake, Ferguson appeared to say something that had Ratcliffe in fits of laughter.

The Ineos chief, 72, beamed as he giggled with his mouth wide open.

Ferguson, 82, was recently relieved of his £2million-a-year ambassadorial role at the club.

But there did not appear to be any animosity between the two men at all.

Ferguson was also in attendance as his former striker Van Nistelrooy took caretaker charge against Leicester in the mid-week Carabao Cup clash.

The Scot will have been delighted to witness the Red Devils’ 5-2 thumping of the Foxes.

Fans were left surprised when they spotted who was sat next to Ferguson during the match.

The United legend was seen conversing with Michael Vaughan, the former England cricket captain.

They both appeared to enjoy the game, despite Vaughan’s affinity for Sheffield Wednesday.

Last weekend, Ferguson took a break from the Premier League to watch his son Darren’s Peterborough team play Bolton, which is nearby.

He also went north of the border last month to watch his former club, Aberdeen, draw 2-2 with Celtic at Parkhead.

Ferguson watched the mid-week match alongside Michael Vaughan