IT started with a joke about United and finished with him clutching a City shirt.

But Bill Clinton wasn't in town to talk sport - despite fond recollections of his last visit to Manchester as a university basketball player.

The ex-US President arrived at Tatton Park, near Knutsford, amid tight security last night on a three-date British tour to raise money for a Jewish charity - and pocket a fee of around £100,000.

Nine hundred guests paying up to £1,500 each, had their cars searched by sniffer dogs at floodlit police checks before the exclusive black-tie bash.

The star arrived 90 minutes late after freezing fog forced him to abandon plans to fly by private jet from Glasgow to Manchester Airport.

After a 200-mile drive in a silver limousine, he shrugged off criticism of his visit and entered a glittering marquee to the ''Rocky'' theme tune.

Memories

He started his speech with memories of his last trip to Manchester 32 years ago to play basketball for his Oxford University team.

''I liked the city and became fascinated by the mystique surrounding Manchester United,'' he told the audience, to a mixture of football cheers and jeers.

He added: ''I am glad there is some controversy here now.''

During a 45-minute address, he called on Israelis to work with Palestinians to find lasting peace in the Middle East.

The 55-year-old statesman also urged world leaders to wipe out Aids, boost education, crush terrorism and strengthen defences to prevent a repeat of September 11.

But his final act again turned to football - and laughter - when organisers handed him a signed United shirt followed by the blue of City.

Earlier he defended his decision - despite a small Palestinian protest in Glasgow on Monday night - to back the Jewish National Fund charity.

The three dinners, including a visit to London tonight, have raised more than £1m to create a reservoir to encourage the growth of communities in Israeli desert wasteland.

Protests

Mr Clinton told the M.E.N.: ''I think the protesters were mainly young people who have no idea what the JNF does with their work to conserve natural resources and tackle things like water scarcity.

''I think they are just frustrated at the continuing conflict and I only wish I had the chance to talk to them.''

Asked whether he thought about cancelling the event after September 11, he replied: ''No, I now think the most important thing is for all of us to resume a normal life and not to be intimidated.''

Guests included actor Richard Wilson, who played comedy legend Victor Meldrew, TV star Angus Deayton and ex-Liverpool footballers Alan Hansen and Kenny Dalglish.

Most paid £250 but around 100 forked out £1,500 to meet Mr Clinton for handshakes and photographs.

Mr Wilson, who was a guest of Manchester United director Michael Edelson, said: ''I wanted to meet Clinton because everyone who has says good things. There is a charisma and aura about him. He is also a very good public speaker.''

Other guests also gave his visit the thumbs-up. Liverpool surveyor James Abrams, 21, who paid £250, said: ''It was a lot of money but I saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a man like Clinton.''

Housewife Liz Jones, 49, of Stockton Heath, Warrington, added: ''Some ladies might like his looks but I'm here for his intelligence. I have a lot of respect for his efforts to find peace in the Middle East.''

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