Former Man Utd manager Alex Ferguson was hospitalized on 3/5 after feeling unwell at Old Trafford, just before the Premier League match against Liverpool. He was taken to a medical facility over one hour before the game, with close sources indicating this was primarily a precautionary measure. His condition was not serious, and he is expected to return home soon for recovery.
This news concerned many Man Utd fans, as Ferguson experienced a serious health crisis in 2018. At that time, he suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage and required emergency surgery to save his life. The incident shocked English football, as the legendary manager faced a life-or-death situation.
However, the latest reports indicate no signs that his hospitalization on 3/5 is related to the brain hemorrhage eight years ago.
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Manager Alex Ferguson in a photo taken on 3/5. Photo: Twitter |
In the documentary "Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In", released in 2021, Ferguson revealed that doctors had estimated he had only about a 20% chance of survival. "There were five brain hemorrhage cases that day. Three passed away, two survived. You can understand how fortunate I was", he recounted.
Ferguson remains a familiar presence at Man Utd matches, despite retiring from management in 2013. He frequently appears in the VIP stands at Old Trafford and has accompanied the team on some important away trips. Before the match against Liverpool, Ferguson was at the stadium as usual before feeling unwell.
Ferguson is regarded as the most successful manager in Man Utd's history. During his more than 26 years leading the team, he helped the club secure 13 English league titles, two Champions League trophies, and numerous other domestic honors. His legacy remains a benchmark that successive managers at Old Trafford have yet to replicate.
In recent years, Ferguson's life has seen significant changes. In 2023, his wife, Cathy Ferguson, passed away at the age of 84 after 57 years of marriage. Her passing was the greatest loss for Ferguson since he retired from management.
Nevertheless, Man Utd remains an inseparable part of the legendary manager's life. Even without an official role at the club, Ferguson maintains significant behind-the-scenes influence and consistently receives special respect from fans.
In 2024, Man Utd co-owner Jim Ratcliffe sparked controversy by ending Ferguson's paid ambassadorial role as part of a club-wide cost-cutting initiative. According to English media, Ferguson received approximately two million pounds annually for this position.
Ratcliffe later revealed he had directly discussed Man Utd's difficult financial situation with Ferguson. "I told Alex that the club was spending more than it earned, and we simply couldn't continue to pay that salary", the English billionaire recounted. Ferguson was initially displeased, but after a few days of thought and discussions with his family, he decided to step down. "That shows Alex always put the club before himself", Ratcliffe stated.
Ferguson's consistent presence at Old Trafford over the years has always held special significance for Man Utd fans, particularly during periods of fluctuating performance and leadership changes. Consequently, news of his hospitalization quickly became a major topic of discussion on social media on the evening of 3/5. Many fans sent wishes for Ferguson's swift recovery, while others recalled the famous fighting spirit that helped him overcome the life-threatening event in 2018. For generations of Man Utd supporters, Ferguson remains the greatest icon in the club's history.
By Hoang An (via Daily Mail)
