THESE are the stars of Sir Alex Ferguson's very special match of the day.

The United manager's son Mark and his fiancée Fiona Stanley are to wed in South Africa on Saturday.

Sir Alex has flown out to Cape Town for the tie - and will miss the first Manchester derby for four years. He will watch the game on satellite TV before going on to the wedding at a vineyard.

Mark and Fiona are marrying at the five-star Lanzerac Manor and Winery in the picturesque Jongershoek Valley, near Cape Town.

Durban-born Fiona and Mark, a merchant banker in the City of London, announced their wedding plans over cocktails during a recent family holiday at Sunset Rock, South Africa.

Guests from across the world are expected to attend the wedding. Sir Alex, who has left his number two Steve McClaren in charge for the derby, will be joined by his brother Martin and long-time friend, Glasgow businessman John Grant.

The Fergusons might spend the day before the wedding playing golf at the Erinvale Golf Club in a bid to soothe any pre-match nerves.