‘I heard whispers but hoped it wasn’t true’
Emergency surgery for brain bleed after Ferguson rushed to hospital ‘following fall’
tragic. I hope he’s in good hands and that the operation is a major success. He is a personal friend and I hope he has a full recovery.’ Mark Hughes, the Southampton manager who played under Sir Alex at United, added: ‘I heard some whispers and was hoping it wasn’t true. I wish him all the best.’
In 2003, Ferguson was admitted to hospital for a heart irregularity and underwent electric shock treatment.
A club statement at the time said that he had ‘received treatment in hospital following a routine check-up several months ago which revealed a minor heart irregularity’.
Ferguson later revealed that he had had a pacemaker fitted. David Beckham posted a photograph of the day he signed for United as a teenager alongside Sir Alex with a poignant message: ‘Keep fighting Boss. Sending prayers and love to Cathy and the whole family.’
Mike Phelan, a member of the United backroom staff between 1999 and 2013, tweeted: You’ve won more than most and if anyone can you can boss.’
Alex McLeish, the Scotland boss and a former player of Ferguson’s at Aberdeen, said: ‘None of us are immortal but Alex is a fighter and I’m certain he can come through this and make a full recovery. My thoughts are with the family.’
Former United player Edwin van der Sar’s relationship with Ferguson was much deeper than player and manager. Van der Sar’s wife suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2009 and the goalkeeper was granted leave.
The Dutchman tweeted: ‘Devastated about the news about Sir Alex and knowing all too well about the situation ourselves. Stay strong and hope together with everyone you recover.’
Paddy Crerand, a European Cup winner with Manchester United in 1968, said: ‘Of all the people you would imagine something like that happening to, Sir Alex would be the last one. This has come out of the blue. But he’s as tough as old boots.’
Ferguson, a former striker in Scotland, launched his glittering managerial career at East Stirling, St Mirren and Aberdeen. He briefly took charge of Scotland before taking the reins at Old Trafford in November 1986.
ALEX FERGUSON underwent emergency surgery last night for a brain haemorrhage after being rushed to hospital.
The 76-year-old, who led Manchester United to 38 trophies during his 26 years in charge of the club, is understood to have suffered a fall at home before being admitted to hospital for checks.
An ambulance was called to Ferguson’s house in Cheshire at about 9am yesterday and took him to Macclesfield district hospital.
The Scotsman was then transferred, with a police escort, to be treated at the Salford Royal.
His son Darren Ferguson, the Doncaster Rovers manager, missed his club’s final league game to be by his father’s bedside after being told of the news.
A Manchester United statement 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 in this matter.’
Manchester United players were made aware of Ferguson’s condition before the information was made public and the statement issued by the club.
Ferguson, who retired as United manager in May 2013, was on the pitch at Old Trafford last Sunday, when he presented retiring Arsenal manager and former rival Arsene Wenger with a commemorative trophy.
Football figures and clubs last night rallied round to give support to the United statesman with messages of goodwill pouring in from fierce rivals Liverpool and Chelsea while Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany also took to social media to say: ‘Hang on in there Sir Alex. Thoughts are with the family and close ones.’
United’s Michael Carrick posted: ‘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.’
Everton manager Sam Allardyce, who was asked about Ferguson at his press conference after his side drew with Southampton last night, said: ‘It’s