BRAIN OP BATTLE FOR SIR ALEX
SIR Alex Ferguson, once described as the greatest ever football manager, was in hospital last night after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
The Govan-born former Manchester United boss underwent emergency surgery, which doctors said had gone well.
The club said Sir Alex, 76, ‘needs a period of intensive care to optimise his recovery’, adding: ‘His family request privacy in this matter.’
After complaining of feeling unwell on Thursday, Sir Alex was taken from his Cheshire home by ambulance to Macclesfield District Hospital.
From there he was transferred, with a police escort, to Salford Royal. It is understood his wife Cathy, along with the rest of his family, are at his bedside.
His son Darren, manager of League One side Doncaster Rovers, missed his team’s match yesterday due to what was described as a ‘severe family issue’.
The club said: ‘Darren asks for privacy and will provide an update through the club during the week.’
Sir Alex, the most successful British manager in history, famously won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble in 1999. He was later knighted for his achievements.
During his 26-year reign at Manchester United he seemed all but invincible, winning 13 Premier League titles – an achievement unlikely to be surpassed.
He was known there for being tough, uncompromising, fiercely loyal and commanding – and he received huge respect from those around him.
Last night, former England captain and United star David Beckham posted a picture on Instagram of himself as a schoolboy with Sir Alex, writing: ‘Keep fighting Boss. Sending prayers and love to Cathy and the family.’ Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker tweeted: ‘Very sorry to hear the news that Sir Alex Ferguson is seriously ill in hospital. Wish him all the best.’
Manchester United club captain Michael Carrick added: ‘Absolutely devastated to hear about Sir Alex being unwell.’
Former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel tweeted: ‘Please be strong. Win this one.’
TV presenter Eamonn Holmes, a longtime friend of Sir Alex and a fervent United fan, described him as an ‘amazing man’. He tweeted: ‘Praying for The Boss that he makes a full recovery.’
In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sent her best wishes, tweeting: ‘My thoughts are with Alex Ferguson and his family. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery.’
A statement from his former club Aberwhere deen read: ‘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.’ Rangers, where he once played, said: ‘Everyone at Rangers FC sends their best wishes to Sir Alex Ferguson following emergency surgery this evening.’ Celtic tweeted: ‘Everyone at Celtic FC wishes Sir Alex Ferguson a swift recovery.’ Liverpool FC sent the message: ‘When the Hillsborough disaster happened in 1989, Sir Alex Ferguson was straight on the phone to offer his help in any way he could. We want to wish the former Manchester United manager a speedy recovery.’ Just last weekend, Sir Alex was a guest at United’s match against Arsenal, he presented outgoing boss Arsene Wenger – his long-time rival – with a commemorative trophy.
Last night, brain surgeon Professor Sir Henry Marsh said that it was ‘impossible’ to know exactly what surgery had been performed on Sir Alex – or what the outcome might be. He added: ‘Without seeing a brain scan you really cannot tell. He could die, he could make a complete recovery, he could be very disabled. You just cannot predict without seeing the details. There are so many variables.’
After a playing career that included spells at Ibrox, Sir Alex started his time as a manager with East Stirlingshire.
Later, he enjoyed a highly successful period in charge of Aberdeen, winning three league championships, four Scottish Cups and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983.
When he finally quit the game in 2013, he paid tribute to his family, saying their love and support had been essential.
He added: ‘Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.’
And he said of his retirement: ‘The challenges in front of me were good ones… my involvement with United as a director, as an ambassador, and my jobs with UEFA, Unicef. I’ve travelled a bit and I love watching the team.’