Top medical staff have been accused of spying on Sir Alex Ferguson as he was fighting for his life in hospital earlier this year.
Two doctors and a senior medical consultant allegedly checked the former Manchester United managers medical records while he was staying in Salford Royal Hospital.
None of the accused were responsible for Sir Alexs care at the time and are believed to have pried into the records out of personal curiosity.
An investigation has been launched and two nurses are also being questioned after an audit was carried out on the hospitals computer system.
Those involved would be in breach of both patient confidentiality and data protection laws if it is found that they did access the medical records.
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Salford Royal apologised unreservedly to Sir Alex and his family, a spokesman told The Sunday Times.
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Chief medical officer for the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group Dr Chris Brookes confirmed an investigation was underway.
He said: Investigations are ongoing to determine if the individuals have accessed a patients record electronically without a clinical requirement or authorisation to do so.
The case has also been referred to the Information Commissioners Office which is responsible for data protection breaches.
Sir Alex, 76, was placed in an induced coma at the Greater Manchester hospital after he suffered a brain haemorrhage in May.
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He was discharged in June after undergoing surgery.
The Scottish footballing legend, who has previously championed the NHS, recorded a video message thanking staff at the hospital for the care he received.
He said: Believe me, without those people who gave me such great care I would not be sitting here today.
So thank you from me and my family.
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