Washington - Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson swapped Old Trafford for the White House on Friday, taking advantage of a window in the Premiership schedule to tour the US presidential mansion.
Ferguson was spotted going into the West Wing, where the Oval Office is situated, with a White House aide.
The veteran Scot had a brief chat with President Barack Obama's press secretary Robert Gibbs, a soccer goalie during his college days, the aide said. Ferguson requested the tour through the British embassy. It was not clear what other engagements were on his schedule during his US visit.
No Premiership fixtures were scheduled for the weekend with many players playing for their home countries in Euro 2012 qualifying games.