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John Virgo was never shy of making his love for Manchester United clear. The snooker icon turned BBC commentator was a noted Red Devils fan and would regularly frequent Old Trafford when the team were playing.

Having grown up just around the corner in Salford, Virgo's affection for United was one of the cornerstones of his life before passing earlier this year. So much so, the former World Championship semi-finalist was treated to an exclusive off-the-cuff experience ahead of United's Champions League final in 1999.

As reported by journalist Nick Metcalfe, fellow snooker ace Ken Doherty was told by Sir Alex Ferguson earlier this month that he'd spotted Virgo outside United's team hotel before the 1999 final. Knowing just how much Virgo was a fan of the club, Ferguson invited the Salfordian onto the team bus to shake hands with the players.

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He must've proved a good luck charm, as United came from behind in dramatic fashion against Bayern Munich to win the Champions League and secure the Treble. Virgo recalled his emotions from the game during an interview with the club, saying: "I was in the Nou Camp, when we won the Treble in 1999.

"Losing 1-0, I thought 'well, this is it, another near miss'. Then we scored and I thought 'at least we've got extra-time to win it'. Then we scored again! Leaving the ground, my pal said to me: 'It doesn't get better than this'."

Meanwhile, when asked about taking penalties in front of the Stretford End once, he added: "That was at half-time against Sheffield United, during the first home game of 1993/94. I scored two out of four. The crowd were chanting my name, which was incredible! After the game, I got to have a drink and chat with Sir Alex [Ferguson] and talk football!"

Virgo passed away earlier this year, with the ongoing World Championship the first since his passing. Several of the biggest names from snooker attended a memorial for Virgo before this year's event, including current stars like Shaun Murphy, John Higgins, Neil Robertson, Mark Allen and Mark Williams.

Speaking at the vigil, Doherty, a good friend of Virgo's, said: "The way he could draw a listener in, tell a story and build the drama, that's an art in itself. It was just wonderful to share so many times in the commentary box with him and have so many laughs with him as well."