Football world unites to pray for stricken Alex Ferguson
FRIENDS of Sir Alex Ferguson were positive about his chances of recovery last night as the legendary Manchester united manager remained in hospital.
The 76-year-old was taken to Salford Royal Hospital on Saturday after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
He was said to be in a stable condition yesterday, having been in intensive care since surgery on Saturday.
Bryan Robson, former Manchester united and England captain, said: ‘His son Jason gave me a phone call early evening last night, so it did come as a big surprise and a shock, but from what I’ve heard, the operation went well, so hopefully the boss should have a full recovery.
‘Everybody respects him highly for what he did in the game. He had a big influence over me.’
Robson, 61, added: ‘ He’s good company when you are around him. Hope- fully, he will fully recover.’
Yesterday afternoon, united issued what it called an ‘ outpouring of love and support’ from current and former players – many of whom won medals under Sir Alex.
Former united captain Wayne Rooney, signed by Sir Alex as an 18-year-old, said: ‘ Get well soon, boss. Thoughts with all the family.’
Another former united star David Beckham said: ‘ Keep fighting, boss. Sending prayers and love to Cathy and the whole family.’
Football legend Pele tweeted: ‘I woke up to hear that Sir Alex Ferguson is in hospital. A Manchester united man through and through. Get well soon, Sir Alex.’
Former united star Cristiano Ronaldo, who now plays for Real Madrid, added: ‘ My thoughts and prayers are with you, my dear friend. Be strong, boss!’ And Eric Cantona, an icon of Sir Alex’s 1990s side which won multiple titles, said: ‘All my thoughts, my energy, my minutes and my seconds to you, boss.’
Sir Alex managed united between 1986 and 2013, leading them to 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles.
He previously managed Aberdeen – winning three Scottish league championships, four Scottish Cups and a European Cup Winners’ Cup – and Scotland at the 1986 World Cup.
The legendary manager is understood to have suffered a fall on Saturday. An ambulance was called to his house in Cheshire at about 9am and took him to Macclesfield District Hospital.
Sir Alex was then transferred, with a police escort, to Salford Royal. On Saturday, Manchester united 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.’
united club captain Michael Carrick said: ‘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.’ His son Darren, the Doncaster Rovers manager, missed his club’s final league game to be by his father’s bedside. Long-time rival Arsene Wenger used his farewell speech after his final home match as Arsenal manager yesterday to send a message to Sir Alex.
He said: ‘Firstly, because at Arsenal we care, we would like to wish Sir Alex Ferguson to get well very quickly.’
Wenger, who was honoured by Ferguson at Old Trafford when united hosted Arsenal last weekend, later added to Sky Sports: ‘ I am concerned because last week we were together. I offer just a message of support. I trust his strength and optimistic character to get over it quickly and to get over it very well.’
Salford Royal did not respond to requests for comment about Sir Alex’s condition.
‘Outpouring of love and support’