FERGIE: THE MOVIE
Sir Alex’s son films story of surgery fightback
SIR Alex Ferguson’s fightback from a brain haemorrhage is to be part of a documentary directed by one of his sons.
Jason Ferguson had just begun filming a tribute to his dad when the former Manchester United and Aberdeen manager fell ill in May 2018.
After Sir Alex’s life was saved by emergency treatment at Salford Royal Hospital, they decided his recovery should feature in the film.
Jason, 48, spent more than 50 hours recording footage with his dad. It shows Sir Alex, 78, dealing with the threat of memory loss, and receiving the love and support of his wife Cathy and family.
Producer John Battsek told film industry website Screen Daily: “A layer of the film is Sir Alex in recovery, grappling with the threat of the loss of his memory, that being the memory of the greatest football manager that ever lived.
“It’s Sir Alex’s real-life story from growing up in Govan in Glasgow, his career as a footballer and as a football manager to his battle recovering from the brain haemorrhage.
“It is a father-son story and a love story – the story of him and his amazing wife.”
The documentary is expected to be screened early next year and will be shown in cinemas.
It features interviews with former players including Gordon Strachan, Eric Cantona and Ryan Giggs. Sir Alex won 38 trophies, including two Champions League titles, in 27 years with United before retiring as manager in 2013.
Battsek said: “Jason had already recorded 50 hours of audio with his dad and his father trusted him, really trusted him.
“We felt that if we surrounded Jason with all sorts of experienced hands, he could handle it. He has done a phenomenal job.”
Last year, Sir Alex raised £400,000 for the NHS as a thank you for the care he received.