Sir Alex Ferguson taken to hospital after feeling unwell before Man Utd vs Liverpool
Sir Alex Ferguson was expected to take in Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday but was taken to hospital from the stadium after falling unwell
Sir Alex Ferguson (Image: Getty Images)
Sir Alex Ferguson has been taken to hospital after falling ill at Old Trafford.
The legendary former Manchester United boss was expected to take in the Red Devils’ clash with Liverpool on Sunday. But after feeling unwell he was initially assessed in the tunnel area of the ground before being transported to hospital.
Ferguson, a regular attendee at United matches both home and away, was pictured on social media meeting guests at the ground before he started feeling unwell.
A source indicated to the Press Association that the 84-year-old is “OK”. Sky Sports News reported he is conscious and has had precautionary checks. There is optimism that he will soon be recovering at home.
Ferguson, 84, was taken to hospital in an ambulance around an hour before United’s game against bitter rivals Liverpool kicked off at 3.30pm.
As the news emerged, fans in the Stretford End sung Fergie’s name during the first half against Liverpool.
A fan posted a picture alongside Ferguson at Old Trafford prior to him leaving. Cardiologist and author Dr Aseem Mahotra wrote: “A privilege, honour and dream come true to be invited to spend some quality time with Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of the game against Liverpool today at Old Trafford.”
United went on to beat Liverpool 3-2, and Red Devils boss Michael Carrick admitted he had been affected by the news prior to kick-off. “I don’t know the latest as we stand now,” he said. “I did hear about it before the game. All I can say is I was very affected by it and we just hope he’s alright.
“I just don’t know the latest but we hope for him to be in good shape and we wish him all the best and we’re certainly thinking of him. And hopefully the result, when he hears about it, gives him a good boost.”
The former United manager has been in good spirits recently and only last week travelled to Paris to watch the Champions League semi-final between Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich. He was also seen at the Grand National at Aintree last night month which he attended alongside Liverpool legend striker Ian Rush
It is not the first time that the Scot has been involved in a health scare, however. He suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2018 but recovered after undergoing successful surgery. It is reported that the latest incident is not related.
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Speaking about that scare in the 2021 film ‘Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In‘, he said: “There were five brain haemorrhages that day. Three died. Two survived. You know you are lucky.”
Ferguson was the mastermind of the most successful period in United history. Taking over in 1986, he remained in charge until his retirement in 2013.
United won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and two Champions League during his time at the helm.
Ferguson has continued to be a prominent figure at the club since his retirement. He regularly appears at both home and away games to watch his former side.
He was also handed an ambassadorial role at the club but saw that brought to an end by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as he attempted to cut costs at the club.
“I sat down with Alex, just the two of us in the room. And I said, ‘Look, the club isn’t where you may think it is. It is spending more than it’s earning and we’re going to finish up in some difficulties. Honestly, we can’t really afford to continue to pay you £2m a year,” Ratcliffe explained.
“I said, ‘I’m going to leave it with you, let you have a think about it.’ It was very grown up. Maybe a little bit grumpy at the beginning, but he got it.
“He came back three days later, after talking to his son and said, ‘Fine, I’m going to step away from it. My decision.'” Ratcliffe added: “I think it reflects really well on Alex because he put the club before himself.”
Ferguson heartbreakingly lost his wife Cathy in 2023. The pair were married for 57 years.
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