Sir Alex Ferguson leads well wishes ahead of Stirling University's historic Scottish Cup tie with Dundee United

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Sports icons – including Sir Alex Ferguson – have sent their best wishes to Stirling University as they compete in a historic Scottish Cup tie tomorrow.The university’s football side will face Dundee United at Tannadice in the fourth round of the tournament – the first time a university team has reached that stage in more than 50 years.The students are set to be roared on by supporters who will travel north for the bumper cup clash.And ahead of the historic match, the players were given a boost when they were given words of encouragement from a host of sporting legends, including Sir Alex Ferguson and World Cup winning legend Lilian Thuram.The match will be the first time ever the uni has faced top-flight opposition in a competitive match.“I just want to wish you all the best.

What a challenge it is to you, and I hope you enjoy it,” said Sir Alex in a video message. “You’ve every chance in the cup, and I wish you good luck.”Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area.The iconic former Manchester United manager received an honorary degree from the university in 2011 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport.Thuram – who was played a key role in France’s World Cup win in 1998 and their Euros victory in 2000 – is also an honorary graduate of the university, having been recognised in 2019.

Providing words of motivation in the short film, he said: “Congratulations! We need to win against Dundee United. We are the best!

You are the best! Come on Stirling, let’s go!”The footballing legends were joined by other big names in sending support to the student footballers.The messages landed with the squad as they secured their third consecutive British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Premier North