MANCHESTER: The world of football was waiting for an update on the condition of British football’s most successful manager Alex Ferguson on Sunday, a day after the former Manchester United boss underwent emergency surgery for a brain haemorrhage.
Social media continued to be awash with tributes and get-well messages for the 76-year-old Ferguson, who was in intensive care late on Saturday according to a statement from United.
That has been the only comment so far from the English club, where Ferguson spent almost 27 years in charge before retiring in 2013 as the most successful manager in British football history.
“Sir Alex Ferguson has undergone emergency surgery today for a brain haemorrhage,” the statement said. “The procedure has gone very well but he needs a period of intensive care to optimise his recovery. His family request privacy in this matter.
“We will keep Sir Alex and his loved ones in our thoughts during this time, and we are united in our wish to see him make a comfortable, speedy recovery.”
Concerns for Ferguson’s health started to mount when it was announced his son, Darren, the manager of English third-tier club Doncaster, would miss his side’s match against Wigan because of “family reasons”.
“It is tragic. I am going to find out how he is as soon as I possibly can,” said Everton manager Sam Allardyce, a longstanding friend of Ferguson’s, after his side’s 1-1 Premier League draw at home to Southampton.
“Obviously I knew it was extremely serious when I knew his son Darren didn’t attend his own game,” the former England boss added. “I hope he has a full recovery.”
Ferguson won a total of 49 trophies during his illustrious managerial career, which also included spells at St Mirren and Aberdeen. The Scotsman led United to an impressive 38 trophies during his nearly 27-year reign at the club.
Among those sending their best wishes to Ferguson were David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Real Madrid forward and five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo kickstarted his career at United under Ferguson from 2003 to 2009.
“My thoughts and prayers are with you, my dear friend. Be strong, Boss!” the Portugal captain said on social media as he shared a picture of him and Ferguson during their time together at Old Trafford.
Beckham was part of the famous “Fergie’s Fledglings” group, along with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and brothers Gary and Phil Neville, that led United to numerous trophies from the mid-1990s, including the historic 1999 treble.
“Keep fighting Boss. Sending prayers and love to (Ferguson’s wife) Cathy and the whole family,” Beckham said on Instagram with a picture of him signing his United youth contract as Ferguson stood by his side.
Former United and England captain Wayne Rooney said on Twitter: “Get well soon Boss. Thoughts with all the family at this sad time. #AlexFerguson.”
There was a heartfelt message from former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and his wife Annemarie, who herself recovered from a brain haemorrhage in 2009.
“Devastated about the news about Sir Alex and knowing all too well about the situation ourselves. Stay strong and hope together with everyone you recover. Edwin & Annemarie,” said the couple’s Twitter post.
Another former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel tweeted simply: “Please. Be strong. Win this one” interspersed with prayer emojis.
Many current and former United players, including Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand, Diego Forlan and David de Gea also offered messages of support as did United’s Premier League rivals Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.
Ferguson and his family also received well wishes from clubs all around the world.
Italian sides AC Milan and Inter Milan, Spanish champions Barcelona and Scottish champions Celtic were among a host of clubs to support the Scotsman.
Soccer greats, managers, fans, politicians and news outlets sent messages of support as did athletes and governing bodies from other sports, including the National Basketball Association (NBA).
