Alex Ferguson fighting for his life after brain haemorrhage

SIR ALEX FERGUSON was seriously ill in hospital last night after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

The 76-year-old former Manchester United manager was rushed to hospital yesterday morning, where he underwent emergency surgery.

In a statement issued last night, a United spokesman said: “Sir Alex 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.”

It is understood an ambulance was called to his Cheshire home at around 9am and he was taken to Macclesfield district hospital before being transferred to the Salford Royal.

His son Darren, the manager of

‘The procedure has gone very well but he needs a period of intensive care to optimise his recovery’

League One side Doncaster, did not attend his side’s final home game of the season yesterday after his father took ill.

David Beckham, perhaps Sir Alex’s most high-profile player, offered his support to his former manager and his wife, Lady Cathy. He posted a picture of himself as a young player alongside Sir Alex on Instagram, adding: “Keep fighting Boss … Sending prayers and love to Cathy and the whole family.”

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, was also among those who sent best wishes.

The Glaswegian-born coach is widely regarded as Britain’s most successful football manager, winning 49 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League titles.

He retired as United manager in May 2013 but has been a regular at the team’s home matches as a spectator, sitting in the stand that bears his name.

He was at Old Trafford last Sunday where he presented Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal boss, with a commemorative trophy to mark his departure from the club he has managed for 22 years.

Sir Alex began his managerial career at East Stirlingshire before taking charge of St Mirren, winning the First Division title. He then moved to Aberdeen, winning three Scottish league championships, four Scottish Cups and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983.

He briefly managed Scotland following the death of Jock Stein and was appointed United boss in November 1986.