Omotayo Fashola
(Sir Alex Ferguson. Photo by Evening Standard)
Legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has opened up about his harrowing experience recovering from a life-threatening brain hemorrhage in 2018, describing the emotional toll of his health battle.
The football icon suffered the medical emergency in May 2018 before making an emotional return to Old Trafford that September to witness his former club take on Wolves.
Despite his legendary status at United from 26 trophy-laden years, the Scot confessed to feeling anxious about his stadium comeback during the Premier League clash.
In a recent interview, the iconic manager revealed: “I wish I could say I was completely at ease, but that wouldn’t be truthful.” His wife Cathy nearly broke down at the overwhelming reception they received.
The power couple received a rousing standing ovation from adoring fans when they appeared in the directors’ box, with Cathy describing the moment as “absolutely magical.”
Ferguson was 76 – five years into retirement – when the health crisis struck. He described the initial recovery phase as particularly daunting after losing his voice completely.
“Not being able to speak was terrifying,” he admitted, recalling how his visiting grandsons witnessed his vocal struggles firsthand.
His speech therapist devised a unique rehabilitation technique – having him write down names of birds, animals and rivers – which gradually restored his legendary voice.
Now approaching his 85th year, Ferguson reports good health aside from minor mobility issues, while reflecting on his career in new memoir “Games of My Life.”
The book revisits 21 career-defining matches that shaped his journey from player to Britain’s most decorated manager, having claimed an astonishing 38 trophies with Manchester United.
