Daily Star Sunday

SIR ALEX BATTLES FOR LIFE AFTER OP

- ■ EXCLUSIVE by ROBIN COTTLE

SIR Alex Ferguson was last night fighting for his life after a brain haemorrhag­e.

The Manchester United legend was in intensive care after collapsing at his home and being rushed to hospital.

His former club said surgery had gone well as past and present players sent the Scotsman their best wishes.

Sir Alex’s son Darren, inset, manager of Doncaster Rovers, missed their clash with Wigan Athletic to be at his dad’s bedside.

A Red Devils’ statement said: “Sir Alex Ferguson has undergone emergency surgery today for a brain haemorrhag­e.

“The procedure has gone very well but he needs a period of intensive care to optimise his recovery. His family request privacy in this matter.”

Warm words poured in last night. Former player and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker tweeted: “Very sorry to hear the news that Sir Alex Ferguson is seriously ill.

“Wish him all the very best.”

While Manchester

United club captain

Michael Carrick wrote: “Absolutely devastated to hear about Sir Alex being unwell in hospital.

“All my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

“Be strong boss.”

Television host and Arsenal fan Piers Morgan added: “Shocking news. Hope he pulls through.” A host of Premier League clubs, including United’s bitter rivals Liverpool and Chelsea, also sent their best wishes.

A haemorrhag­e is a bleed on the brain which can be caused by high blood pressure.

In 2003, the former manager was treated for a “heart irregulari­ty” and fitted with a pacemaker.

Sir Alex was at Old Trafford last Sunday when he presented the outgoing Arsenal manager – and great rival – Arsene Wenger with a commemorat­ive trophy. Ferguson led Manchester United to an astonishin­g 38 trophies during his 26 years at the helm. His successes included 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League triumphs and five FA Cups.

The father-of-three quit the game in 2013, winning the English Premier league in his final season.

His crowning moment was sensationa­l treble in 1999.

The Red Devils won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League in the same year for the first time in English football history.

Sir Alex’s son Darren had been due to be in the dugout for his side’s final League One game of the season yesterday.

But he missed the match when his dad was taken ill in the morning.

The Scotsman was taken to Macclesfie­ld District Hospital and later transferre­d, under a police escort, to be treated at Salford Royal. the

 ??  ?? ■ ESCORT: Sir Alex was rushed to Salford Royal with police ■ LEGEND: Sir Alex led Manchester United to a string of titles
■ ESCORT: Sir Alex was rushed to Salford Royal with police ■ LEGEND: Sir Alex led Manchester United to a string of titles

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