FOOTIE UNITED FOR SICK FERGIE
Sports stars get behind brain-bleed boss
FOOTBALL has rallied behind stricken legend Sir Alex Ferguson as he fights for life.
The biggest names in the sport messaged the former Manchester United boss, 76, who suffered a brain haemorrhage on Saturday.
FOOTBALL united in support of ailing Sir Alex Ferguson last night – even at the home of their arch rivals.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola broke off from his club’s title celebrations to send the former Manchester United manager a “big hug”.
Pep was tossed joyfully into the air by his players amid wild celebrations after City were presented with the Premier League trophy following a 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town.
But despite the happy scenes, the thoughts of the manager, his staff, players and many of the club’s fans were with former rival Fergie, who underwent emergency surgery on Saturday evening following a brain haemorrhage.
Old Trafford insiders insist that the operation had gone “very well” but the 76-year-old – who retired in 2013 after winning 38 trophies during 26 years in charge – needs a spell in intensive care to aid his recovery.
Pep said news of Fergie’s plight had upset City staff.
His joint-assistant coach Brian Kidd, 68, worked alongside Sir Alex at United during many of his early triumphs.
Pep said: “Brian Kidd, who is here now, was with him for a lot of time.
Rivalry
“So 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. For him, for all Manchester United family.
“Of course, it’s not rivalry. “All the Manchester City fans today in the stadium, you cannot find one person who cannot want the best for an amazing person.”
Brian described his pal Fergie as “iconic” and said his illness had cast a “really sombre mood” around City.
“You think Sir Alex Ferguson is indestructible,’’ he said.
“What he did for Manchester United, it’s unreal.”
As City fans celebrated their title win, some unfurled goodwill messages to the former United boss.
One banner read: “Football aside, get well Fergie.’’
Warm applause also rang out at the Emirates Stadium yesterday after the Arsenal announcer said the club’s thoughts were with Fergie before the team’s Premier League match against Burnley.
Dad-of-three Fergie had appeared fit and well when he presented Arsene Wenger with a memento in Manchester last Sunday.
Fergie and Arsene were bitter touchline rivals in the 1990s but the pair embraced before the
Frenchman’s last visit to Old Trafford as Arsenal manager eight days ago before he leaves the London club after 22 years at the end of the season. Fears for Fergie’s health began to emerge after his football manager son Darren did not attend his club Doncaster Rovers’ final League One match of the season on Saturday due to a “severe family issue”.
His father was admitted to Salford Royal Infirmary, where he underwent emergency surgery to treat bleeding on the brain. Luke Griggs, of the brain injury charity Headway, said the outlook could vary depending on many factors including where the bleed occurred and the size of it. He said: “Every brain injury is unique as is every individual’s recovery.’’
Many patients will survive a bleed on the brain but recovery can take many months.
The Football Association, Premier League, Fifa, Uefa and other clubs from across Britain and around the world tweeted their best wishes along with a host of current and former United stars.
Ex-United and England captain Bryan Robson said his ex-boss’s plight was a message to anyone with symptoms to seek treatment.
David Beckham posted a picture on Instagram of him signing a contract as a teenager alongside Fergie with the message: “Keep
fighting Boss. Sending prayers and love to Cathy and the family.’’
Former United striker Wayne Rooney tweeted: “Get well soon Boss. Thoughts with all the family at this sad time. Alex Ferguson.’’
United’s current captain Michael Carrick said he was “absolutely devastated” by the news, adding: “All my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Be strong Boss.’’
And Cristiano Ronaldo, who was signed by Fergie 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!”
Sir Alex is the most successful manager in the history of British football – his Old Trafford trophy haul included 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups. He won an unprecedented treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999 – the year he was knighted.
Since retiring he has stayed busy putting his name to books on leadership, frequently visiting America where he has been in demand as a lecturer and motivational speaker while indulging his love of horse racing and United.
City captain Vincent Kompany tweeted: “Hang in there Sir Alex. Thoughts are with the family and close ones.” The club’s Spanish midfielder David Silva messaged: “Get well soon Sir Alex.’’ Meanwhile, Liverpool FC reminded the football world of Sir Alex’s support following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 when 96 Reds fans died in a stadium tragedy. The club tweeted: “The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Sir Alex Ferguson and his family – a great rival but also a great friend who supported this club during its most difficult time. “It is hoped that Sir Alex will make a full recovery.’’
SIR Alex Ferguson’s brain bleed horror has shocked the footballing world.
Players and fans across all teams have spoken of their utmost respect for the legendary manager.
It proves the ex Man Utd boss has been one of the few faces in the game to transcend team rivalries.
And earn a place in every fan’s heart.
Fergie’s incredible run at the helm of United is one admired by all.
And a sign lifted at rival Manchester City’s match yesterday summed it up. It read “Football aside, get well Fergie.”
It seems only fitting that a man who built several of the greatest teams ever has now managed to bring the world of football together as one.