Alex Ferguson hopes to net 3 million pounds for vintage wine collection at auction

London: Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly set to auction his prized collection of vintage wine, which may fetch a whopping three million pounds when it goes under the hammer.

The iconic Scot, who is famed for sharing a glass of red wine with opposition managers after a game, is selling off his 5,000-bottle collection from his vast cellar, which boasts his collection from his United career from 1986 to 2013.

According to the Daily Express, Ferguson, who won 38 trophies at United, described the collection as 'one of his life's pleasures', saying that his interest in wine grew during a scouting trip in France and grew over time.

Ferguson also said that collecting wine served as a distraction and gave him a balance in his life that helped him in dealing with the intensity and demands required as United manager, adding that he will be auctioning off a large amount of his collection as he feels he has the time after retirement to visit the places that will feed his passion.

The collection, of which almost three quarters is French Burgundy wine Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, will reportedly be sold along with signed memorabilia by auctioneers Christie's at a sale in Hong Kong in May, followed by one in London and an online auction in June.

Six bottles of of Romanee-Conti Grand Cru 1999 are expected to fetch 65,000 pounds and the report said that the collection will be offered with an United Champions League shirt from 1999 with a 'Best wishes Alex Ferguson' signature.