Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he was “terrified” before returning to Old Trafford after suffering a brain haemorrhage in 2018.
Manchester United’s most successful manager underwent emergency surgery after falling ill in May that year and was placed in intensive care at Salford Royal Hospital.
Ferguson, now 84, attended United’s 1-1 draw with Wolves less than four months after being admitted to hospital. He said he had been uncertain about how supporters would react when he returned to the director’s box at Old Trafford.
“I was terrified. I wish I could say I was comfortable. I wasn’t,” Ferguson told BBC Breakfast.
“I didn’t know what the reaction was [going to be]. Then they make the announcement and then of course there was a loud applause.”
The announcement was followed by a standing ovation from the Manchester United support, with Ferguson’s wife, who accompanied him, becoming emotional.
“My wife was with me, and she was nearly crying. When we sat down, she said ‘that’s fantastic’,” he added.
“It’s one of those things. That’s the generosity of our support and recognising my time there.”
Ferguson spent more than two decades in charge of Manchester United and remains a regular presence at Old Trafford for the club’s matches.
Ferguson recalls struggle to speak
The Scot had previously spoken in 2021 about his fears that the haemorrhage could affect his memory and leave him unable to speak. He has now described the loss of his voice as one of the most frightening parts of his recovery.
“I’m feeling quite good despite small injuries,” Ferguson said.
“I had lost my voice; I couldn’t speak. That was a frightening moment.”
He recalled the reaction of his grandsons when they visited him in hospital.
“I remember my grandsons coming to see me and I had lost my voice.”
A therapist later began working with him on exercises intended to help restore his speech. Among the tasks, Ferguson was asked to write down the names of birds, animals and rivers.
“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.”
