Sir Alex Ferguson admits mind haemorrhage left him ‘terrified’ earlier than Man Utd second
Sir Alex Ferguson has recalled his fear after his brain haemorrhage, how therapy helped him recover and his emotional return to Old Trafford
Sir Alex Ferguson speaking about his health battle(Image: BBC)
Sir Alex Ferguson has opened up about his “frightening” brain haemorrhage that left the legendary Manchester United manager unable to talk.
The 84-year-old Scottish boss was terrified following the emergency surgery in 2018, but through therapy, he regained his voice. He made a triumphant return to Old Trafford just four months later, receiving a standing ovation from players and fans.
Sir Alex, who celebrates his 85th birthday in December, is back on top form with a new book on the horizon, ‘Games of My Life’, where he shares tales from the 21 most pivotal matches of his extraordinary managerial and playing career. And speaking to the BBC, he outlined his health battle and the details of the ordeal.
Sir Alex Ferguson will always be adored at Manchester United(Image: PA)
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Sir Alex is seizing this opportunity to reflect on some of the most significant moments in his career, post the emergency surgery in 2018.
He had been at Old Trafford a week prior to the surgery, presenting Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger with a commemorative trophy.
He shared with BBC Breakfast: “I had lost my voice; I couldn’t speak. That was a frightening moment. I remember my grandsons coming to see me and I had lost my voice.
“Then they brought in a therapist and she started doing things like asking me to write down the names of birds, names of animals, names of rivers.
“That way my voice came back.”
The 84-year-old feels fit and well, just two months away from his birthday. The Scot is a regular fixture at Old Trafford, watching the team that he moulded into a dominant force in English and European football.
Four months post-surgery, Ferguson made a return to Old Trafford when the Red Devils faced off against Wolves. Ferguson’s standing ovation left his wife Cathy in tears. “I was terrified, actually,” he said.
He said: “I wish I could say I was comfortable. I wasn’t. My wife was with me, and she was nearly crying. When we sat down, she said ‘that’s fantastic’.”
