Former Man United Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson has had emergency surgery for a brain haemorrhage.
His former club Manchester United said the procedure had gone “very well but he needs a period of intensive care to optimise his recovery”.
“His family request privacy in this matter,” a club statement said.
Sir Alex’s son Darren Ferguson, who is the manager of Doncaster Rovers, missed his team’s match against Wigan on Saturday due to “family reasons”.
A statement from the League One Club said: “Darren asks for privacy, and will provide an update through the club during the week.”
Sir Alex Ferguson has undergone surgery today for a brain haemorrhage. The procedure has gone very well but he needs a period of intensive care to aid his recovery. His family request privacy in this matter.
Everyone at Manchester United sends our very best wishes. pic.twitter.com/SDoNzMwVEZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 5, 2018
76-year-old Sir Alex Ferguson retired from managing United in 2013 after 26 years in charge and remains the most successful manager in British football history.
He won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
Sir Alex appeared on the pitch at Old Trafford a week ago to present outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger – his long-time rival – with a trophy recognising his career.
Messages of support quickly flooded on to social media following news about Sir Alex’s health.
Manchester United captain Michael Carrick said he was “absolutely devastated”, while goalkeeper David De Gea said he was praying for his former manager.
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 xx
— Michael Carrick (@carras16) May 5, 2018
Ashley Young and Jesse Lingard also tweeted…
Gutted to hear the news tonight about Sir Alex. Don’t really know what else to say other than thoughts and prayers with you and your family, Boss 🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Ashley Young (@youngy18) May 5, 2018
Thoughts and prayers sir alex 🙌🏾
— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) May 5, 2018
A host of football clubs also voiced support for Sir Alex including United’s rivals Manchester City and Aberdeen, where he managed for eight years.
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. pic.twitter.com/Y20wWRzDy0
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) May 5, 2018
Everyone at Manchester City wishes Sir Alex Ferguson a full and speedy recovery after his surgery #footballfamily
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 5, 2018
We hope he gets better soon!
