The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Tributes flood in for Sir Alex after brain surgery
HEALTH: Former Manchester United boss remains in intensive care
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has sent his best wishes to Sir Alex Ferguson for a speedy recovery.
The former Manchester United boss, 76, is seriously ill in intensive care after undergoing emergency surgery following a brain haemorrhage.
The Scot is good friends with Guardiola, and at one stage the Catalan had looked a contender to replace Ferguson at Old Trafford.
Ferguson enjoyed incredible success with the Red Devils, winning 38 trophies in 26 years in charge before retiring in May 2013.
Ferguson took Guardiola out to dinner just two weeks ago to congratulate him on winning this season’s Premier League title with City, and the Spaniard is hoping his friend makes a swift recovery.
He told Sky Sports ahead of City’s match against Huddersfield: “A big hug and our thoughts are with his wife Cathy and the Manchester United family.
“I was glad to have dinner with him two weeks ago, and hopefully he can recover as quickly as possible.”
There had been no updates from United or from Salford Royal, where Ferguson was admitted, by 1.30pm yesterday afternoon.
The club said on Saturday night that the surgery had gone “very well” but that Ferguson would need a period of intensive care to aid his recovery.
Ferguson had appeared fit and well when he presented his old sparring partner Arsene Wenger with a memento at Old Trafford last Sunday ahead of the Frenchman’s departure from Arsenal.
But rumours began to circulate about the 76-year-old’s health after Doncaster manager Darren Ferguson, Sir Alex’s son, did not attend his side’s final match of the League One season against Wigan because of what was reported as a “severe family issue”.
The Football Association, Premier League, Fife, Uefa and individual clubs from Britain and around the world tweeted their best wishes along with a host of current and former United players.
David Beckham posted a picture on Instagram of him signing a contract as a teenager alongside Ferguson, accompanied by the message: “Keep fighting Boss. Sending prayers and love to Cathy and the whole family x .”
Former United striker Wayne Rooney wrote on Twitter: “Get well soon Boss. Thoughts with all the family at this sad time.”
United club captain Michael Carrick said he was “absolutely devastated” by the news, adding in a post on Twitter: “All my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Be strong Boss.”
And Cristiano Ronaldo, who was signed by Ferguson as an 18-year-old in 2003, said on the social network: “My thoughts and prayers are with you, my dear friend. Be strong, Boss!”
Ferguson also received good wishes from United’s rivals Manchester City, who joined other clubs in wishing him well, some using the hashtag “football family”.
“Everyone at Manchester City wishes Sir Alex Ferguson a full and speedy recovery after his surgery,” they said.
Aberdeen Football club said: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with Aberdeen Football Club are with our former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson and his family following tonight’s news.”
At Dunfermline Athletic, where he has been inducted into the hall of fame, his former club said: “Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic FC is thinking of Sir Alex Ferguson at this difficult time.”
Former prime minister Gordon Brown and wife Sarah took to social media to say: “The world’s greatest football manager being cared for by the world’s greatest doctors and nurses. Thinking of Sir Alex and his family.”