Sir Alex Ferguson rushed to hospital but surgeons say emergency operation went well

SIR ALEX FERGUSON was recovering in hospital last night after emergency brain surgery.

Doctors said the operation had gone well after the football legend suffered a brain haemorrhage.

The former Manchester United manager is in intensive care at a hospital in the city.

A statement released by Old Trafford club said: “Sir Alex Ferguson has undergone emergency surgery today for a brain haemorrhage.

“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.

“Everyone at Manchester United sends our very best wishes.”

Reports suggested that, after surgery, he was put into coma to allow him to recover.

Sir Alex, 76, was taken from his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire, by ambulance at 9am yesterday morning, to Macclesfield District Hospital.

He was then transferred, with a police escort, to the Salford Royal Hospital, where he underwent brain surgery.

Fears for Sir Alex’s health began building in the afternoon after son Darren Ferguson, who manages Doncaster Rovers, missed his side’s League One match against Wigan Athletic due to a “severe family issue”.

A Doncaster club statement said: “Darren Ferguson will not be at Saturday’s game due to family reasons.

“Darren asks for privacy, and will provide an update through the club during the week.”

In 2003, Sir Alex was admitted to hospital for a heart irregularity and underwent cardioversion electric shock treatment at the Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, near Manchester.

A club statement at the time said that he had “received treatment in hospital following a routine check-up several months ago which revealed a minor heart irregularity. The treatment revealed he has no underlying heart problem.”

Last night, well wishers –including stars from the world of football and politics – sent him get well soon messages on social media.

The legendary boss won 49 trophies in management, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues.

Sir Alex was present at Old Trafford last weekend as the Red Devils took on Arsenal in what was Arsene Wenger’s final match in charge of the Gunners against his old rivals.

Before the game, Sir Alex, along with current boss Jose Mourinho, presented Wenger with a gift from the club.

He was also in Scotland last Saturday to help his former Dunfermline team-mates celebrate the 50th anniversary of their 1968 Scottish Cup triumph.

The legend was at East End Park and took time out to chat with Pars boss Allan Johnston and his players ahead of their key league encounter against Dumbarton.

The legendary former Manchester United and Aberdeen manager witnessed a comfortable 4-0 victory.

Johnston said: “Sir Alex came in and spoke to us and all the staff.

“It’s great when you meet guys like that, who have been right at the very top of the game and managed the best teams and the best players in the world.

“If there’s anything to take from meeting people like him it’s realising what it takes to win. I’m sure that must have got through to his players – his work ethic and his winning mentality.”

Born in Govan, Glasgow, in 1941, Ferguson credited his tough, working-class upbringing with giving him the backbone to rise to the top.

Raised in a tenement flat, Fergie spent his time on the streets with brother Martin and his pals.

He said of his early life: “Our mothers would say: ‘Get out there and get some fresh air.’”

Sir Alex began his football career with Glasgow’s Harmony Row Youth Club and has supported a long-running campaign for facilities for the group.

On a visit to his old school, Govan High, Sir Alex spoke of how he got his discipline from his dad.

He said: “He was quite a strict person, a non-drinker, and he wanted us to be footballers.

“All his family emigrated to Canada but he stayed here because he wanted us to be footballers.”

He started his professional footballing life at Queen’s Park in 1957.

However it was at Aberdeen and Manchester United where he made his name.

Throughout his 20-year playing career he played for the Hampden side, St Johnstone, Dunfermline Athletic, Rangers, Falkirk and Ayr United.

He then began a managerial career at East Stirlingshire, before moving to St Mirren, Aberdeen and, finally, Manchester United.

First Minister leads floods of well-wishers

Politicians, players and hundreds of fans from around the world sent Sir Alex their best wishes last night.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “My thoughts are with Alex Ferguson and his family – wishing him a full and speedy recovery.”

David Beckham posted a photo on his Instagram account of him signing for Manchester United alongside Sir Alex, with the message: “Keep fighting boss. Sending prayers and love to Cathy and the whole family.”

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker said: “Very sorry to hear the news that Sir Alex Ferguson is seriously ill in hospital. Wish him all the very best.”

Manchester United, the club with whom Sir Alex enjoyed his greatest successes, wrote: “Everyone at Manchester United sends our very best.”

And the club’s Michael Carrick said: “Be strong boss.”

Sir Alex’s other former clubs were among the first to offer their support.

Aberdeen wrote: “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.”

Dunfermline Athletic tweeted: “Everyone at #DAFC is thinking of Sir Alex Ferguson at this difficult time.”

Other politicians also sent their thoughts including Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who tweeted: “So many people will be wishing
Alex Ferguson well and sending their thoughts to his family tonight.”