Sir Alex Ferguson taken to hospital before Manchester United match
Sir Alex Ferguson was rushed to hospital from Old Trafford this afternoon after becoming unwell at the stadium ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Liverpool, reports BritPanorama.
The 84-year-old former United manager, who remains the most decorated boss in the club’s history, had arrived at the ground for the highly anticipated fixture against the Reds. Medical staff transported Ferguson to hospital more than 60 minutes prior to kick-off.
According to the Daily Mail, club sources have indicated that the hospitalisation is purely precautionary, expressing confidence that the legendary Scot will be recovering at home in the near future. There is nothing to suggest this incident is connected to the brain haemorrhage Ferguson suffered in 2018.
Ferguson’s journey to Old Trafford today comes eight years after he faced a life-threatening medical emergency that nearly claimed his life. In May 2018, he underwent emergency surgery following a sudden brain haemorrhage, with doctors giving him just a 20 per cent chance of survival.
The 13-time Premier League winner spoke candidly about this near-fatal experience in his 2021 documentary ‘Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In’. “There were five brain haemorrhages that day,” Ferguson recalled. “Three died. Two survived. You know you are lucky.”
Since his recovery, Ferguson has remained committed to Manchester United, remaining a familiar presence in the directors’ box at home and away fixtures. His dedication has endured despite personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife Lady Cathy in 2023.
Even after a recent cost-cutting move by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, which removed his paid ambassadorial role, Ferguson has continued to attend matches regularly. Ratcliffe explained his reasoning for this decision, citing financial difficulties facing the club.
Ferguson consulted with his son before returning three days later to confirm he would voluntarily step back. “I think it reflects really well on Alex because he put the club before himself,” Ratcliffe added.
In a sport where legends loom large, Ferguson’s enduring presence at Old Trafford serves as a poignant reminder of the bond between a club and its iconic figures, illustrating how sport can transcend even the gravest of health challenges.
