Sir Alex Ferguson was due to play in Sunday’s match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford, but was taken from the stadium to hospital after feeling unwell.
Sir Alex Ferguson (Image: Getty Images)
Sir Alex Ferguson has been taken to hospital after falling ill at Old Trafford.
The legendary former Manchester United manager was expected to feature in Sunday’s match between the Red Devils and Liverpool. However, as he started to feel unwell, he was first examined in the above-ground tunnel area and then taken to the hospital.
Ferguson, who regularly attends United’s home and away matches, was pictured on social media meeting guests at the ground before falling ill.
Officials told the Press Association that the 84-year-old man is “okay.” Sky Sports News reported that he was conscious and underwent precautionary tests. There is optimism that he will soon recover at home.
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Mr Ferguson, 84, was taken by ambulance to hospital about an hour before United’s match against rivals Liverpool was due to kick off at 3.30pm.
After the news broke, Stretford End fans sang Fergie’s name during the first half of the game against Liverpool.
Fans posted pictures of themselves alongside Ferguson at Old Trafford before he left. Cardiologist and author Dr Aseem Malhotra wrote: “It was a privilege, an honor and a dream come true to be invited to spend some quality time with Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of today’s game against Liverpool at Old Trafford.”
United defeated Liverpool 3-2 and Red Devils manager Michael Carrick admitted he was affected by the news before kick-off. “We don’t know the latest at this point,” he said. “I heard about it before the game. All I can say is that I was very affected by it, but we just wish him well.”
“I don’t know the latest, but we hope he’s feeling better, we wish him the best and we’re definitely thinking of him. And I hope the results will listen to him and give him a good boost.”
The former United manager has been in high spirits of late and was in Paris just last week to watch the Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. He also attended the Grand National at Aintree last month, along with legendary Liverpool striker Ian Rush.
But this is not the first time Scots have been caught up in a health scare. In 2018, he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, but the surgery was successful and he recovered. The incidents are reportedly unrelated.
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Speaking about the horror in the 2021 film Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give Up, he said: “There were five brain haemorrhages that day. Three people died and two survived. You know you’re lucky.”
Ferguson was the driving force behind one of the most successful eras in United’s history. He took over in 1986 and served as director until his retirement in 2013.
During his time in charge, United won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and two Champions Leagues.
Sir Alex Ferguson regularly appears at Old Trafford (Image: Getty Images)
Ferguson remains an important figure at the club even after his retirement. He regularly appears at both home and away matches, watching his former team.
He was also given the role of ambassador for the club, but saw that role scrapped by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who sought to cut costs at the club.
“I sat with Alex, it was just the two of us in the room, and I said: ‘Look, the club is not the place you think it is. We’re going to be spending more than we’re earning and we’re going to face some difficulties. To be honest, we can’t afford to keep paying you £2 million a year,'” Ratcliffe explained.
“I said, ‘I’ll leave it to you, let you figure it out.’ He was very mature. He might have been a little grumpy at first, but he understood.
“Three days later, he came back after talking to his son and said, ‘Okay, I’m going to walk away from this. It’s my decision,'” Ratcliffe added, adding: “Alex always put the club before himself and I think that reflects well.”
Mr. Ferguson was heartbroken by the loss of his wife, Kathy, in 2023. The two were married for 57 years.
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