'I WAS TERRIFIED' - MAN UTD LEGEND SIR ALEX FERGUSON OPENS UP ON 'FRIGHTENING' HEALTH BATTLE FOR BRAIN HAEMORRHAGE AND LOSING HIS VOICE DURING RECOVERY

 

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Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has offered a candid reflection on his life-threatening brain haemorrhage in 2018, admitting he was left "terrified" by the experience. The iconic Scotsman, who remains the most successful manager in Premier League history, detailed the harrowing recovery process that followed his emergency surgery.

Emergency surgery and a daunting recovery

In 2018, the football world was rocked when news broke that the revered former manager had been rushed to hospital. Ferguson required immediate emergency surgery to address a severe brain haemorrhage. The procedure left the 84-year-old facing a gruelling rehabilitation journey, fundamentally altering his daily life in the immediate aftermath.

Despite the severity of his condition, his determination shone through. Less than four months after the operation, the Scot made an emotional return to Old Trafford. He took his familiar place in the directors' box to support the club he famously guided to 13 top-flight titles and two Champions League crowns.

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'I had lost my voice; I couldn't speak'

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Ferguson reflected on the sheer fear that gripped him during his medical emergency. He admitted that the ordeal was far from reassuring, stating: "I was terrified. I wish I could say I was comfortable. I wasn't."

The former United boss highlighted a particularly distressing consequence of the surgery, the sudden inability to communicate. This proved exceptionally traumatic when interacting with his family. "I had lost my voice; I couldn't speak," he explained. "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."

A pillar of strength and an enduring legacy

Throughout the darkest days of his recovery, Ferguson leaned heavily on his wife, Cathy, who served as a vital source of support. She guided him through the immediate postoperative period and stood by his side during his poignant return to the Manchester United stands. Recalling that special moment, he said: "My wife was with me, and she was nearly crying. When we sat down, she said 'that's fantastic'."

Ferguson's influence at Old Trafford remains palpable well over a decade after his 2013 retirement. Beyond his domestic dominance, his trophy haul includes five FA Cups and four League Cups, alongside a host of international honours. He continues to be a regular fixture at the club, demonstrating an unwavering bond with the team he transformed into a global powerhouse.

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New book reveals career insights

Fans eager to understand the mind of the legendary tactician have a new avenue to explore his storied past. Ferguson is currently promoting his newly released book, Games of My Life.

The publication delves into 21 pivotal matches that defined both his playing days and his managerial reign. It promises fresh perspectives on his remarkable ascent from a working-class background in Glasgow to the absolute pinnacle of the English game.

- Muhammad Zaki

MAN UNITED 3-4 BRIGHTON: DAMNING 50-YEAR RECORD BROKEN AT OLD TRAFFORD AS MICHAEL CARRICK FACES EARLY SACK CALLS

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Manchester United's 3-2 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion was their first defeat at Old Trafford when leading by two goals since 1976.

The Red Devils welcomed Brighton Old Trafford on Wednesday in the third round of the EFL Cup, but they suffered a humiliating exit.

United were leading 2-0 by the 10th minute thanks to goals from Shea Lacey and Mason Mount, and most assumed that the hosts would progress.

Brighton's Charalampos Kostoulas found the visitors' first just before the half-time interval, before teammates Pascal Gross and Maxim De Cuyper gave the Seagulls a 3-2 win.

Brighton's victory was the first time any side had visited Old Trafford and overturned a two-goal deficit to win at the stadium in 50 years.

Why have Manchester United started the season so poorly?

Many players in Carrick's squad are flawed in regard to their profile, with the likes of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Kobbie Mainoo not particularly strong without the ball.

The club's defence is also ageing and vulnerable, while youngsters like Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are yet to prove themselves.

MAN UNITED RESULTS

- Hull City 2-0 Man United (PL)

- Man United 5-2 Ipswich Town (PL)

- Everton 2-2 Man United (PL)

- Man United 4-0 Sabah (UCL)

- Man United 2-3 Brighton (EFL Cup)

Experienced defenders Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are relatively immobile, while Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford have disappointed on the left side of attack.

Captain Bruno Fernandes has started 2026-27 well, but he is now 32, and the captain will decline sooner rather than later.

© Iconsport / Andrew Yates / Sportimage

Michel Carrick future: Should Man United sack manager after Brighton loss?

Newcomer Tielemans was asked in pre-season about the type of training the squad were doing, and he revealed that they were mostly working with the ball rather than working on fitness.

The World Cup would no doubt have impacted Carrick's plans for the team, but while it is not possible to know the intensity of training, it is alarming that the Red Devils have looked poor physically so far this term.

If United continue to look as bad without the ball, then it should not be surprising if pressure ramps up on the head coach, though every manager at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson has been let down by the club in successive transfer windows.

- Lewis Nolan

BRUNO FERNANDES 'FIRST KICK' VAR AUDIO RELEASED AS MAN UNITED PUNISHMENT RECOMMEND

Bruno Fernandes was not cautioned despite appearing to kick Phil Foden while the Manchester City forward was on the floor, whereas Foden was sent off for his reaction towards the Portuguese midfielder.

Bruno Fernandes got away with a booking in the Manchester derby

Howard Webb has said Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes should have been shown a yellow card for appearing to swipe at Phil Foden, who was sat on the floor during the Manchester derby. Foden then reacted, kicking back and catching Fernandes with both feet in the lower abdomen, sending the Portuguese midfielder to the ground.

Referee Michael Oliver had no hesitation in producing a red card for Foden, who was left stunned, while Fernandes went unpunished despite kicking the City player first. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) could not recommend a yellow card because Oliver had already seen and acted on the incident.

Speaking on Match Officials Mic'd Up, chief refereeing officer Webb said: "So, taking those in order, Michael, I agree with the red card for Phil Foden for violent conduct. He kicks out with force into the upper body of Bruno Fernandes. We saw a player sent off for Aston Villa earlier in the season. Joao Gomes was sent off for a very similar thing, kicking with the studs into the body.

"And that's seen by the referee on the field, and that's the on-field call, a red card for Foden. Now, when you look at the footage, there is that petulant kick by Bruno Fernandes into the backside of Foden. It is more petulant than violent. To be violent conduct, it has to have excessive force or brutality, and when you look at that, particularly in full speed, it doesn't have those elements.

"So therefore, this would be a yellow card offence. And the VAR can't step in to recommend the referee looks at the screen to give a yellow card. Of course, if all of this is missed and nothing is given against Foden, then the VAR could step in so the referee could see Foden's actions for a possible red card, and they would capture Fernandes' yellow card action. But because the referee gave the red card on the field, that option is not open to the VAR."

Pro Ref, formerly PGMOL, have also released the VAR audio, with both the VAR and assistant VAR concluding that Fernandes kicked the ball rather than Foden himself.

Assistant VAR: "It was for a kick-out. It looks like he's given a foul and then the legs came up."

VAR: "Michael [referee], the penalty is checked and cleared. Just confirm your on-field decision in terms of discipline here, please."

Referee: "Red card, Phil Foden. Kick out into the body of Bruno [Fernandes]. The foul is by Bruno on Phil. I think he's in a tangle and when they are separating, I think Phil kicks him. But they will check."

VAR: "That looks like a clear red card to me. Secondary movement, watch broadcast. Okay, happy to confirm? Red card. Happy to confirm? Confirming the red card for Manchester City 47. A kick to the midriff with two feet."

"Just roll through to check that Bruno does nothing. I'm absolutely certain he doesn't. No, he kicks the ball; it's fine."

Assistant VAR: "No, the other one [Bruno's first kick]. That's not what they're talking about. That is the one they're talking about."

VAR: "Minimal, minimal. That's not for us; that's fine."

Assistant VAR: "Yeah, I agree."

At the time, a Premier League explanation read: "#MUNMCI – 23’ The referee's call of red card to Foden for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR."

Meanwhile, Roy Keane went as far as suggesting that Fernandes 'was the one who was violent' during the challenge. He told Sky Sports: "Bruno tackles him, fouls him, gives him a little boot on the floor, reacts and he's now sent off. Bruno catches him, Foden sent off, I guess it's classed as violent and to me, Bruno is the one who violent.

"I have to call it out, called it with Kyle Walker a few years ago when he went down after a head butt, we see violent differently. I don't think that's a red card for Foden, I don't. 'Did the referee get given a chance?'

"Foden is daft here but so is Bruno. If Bruno got sent off, we'd be saying, 'it was a daft, a bit silly.' Everyone's in a union, you've got to look out for each other. We saw Walker a few years ago do it with a head butt, Bruno has got to do better there. It's a big game, you've got to look after the opposition players as well. Foden, I don't think it's a red card."

Foden, who was sent off in the 23rd minute of the Manchester derby, now faces a three‑game ban, meaning the England international will miss Thursday night's Carabao Cup tie against Norwich City.

Premier League rules state that red cards issued in league matches carry over into other domestic competitions, including the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. Yellow cards, however, remain competition‑specific.

As a result, City’s clash with Norwich will be the first match Foden sits out under the suspension. He will also be unavailable for City's Premier League return against Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, as well as the trip to Liverpool on October 11 following the international break.

- Bruna Reis

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SIR ALEX FERGUSON HEALTH UPDATE GIVEN AS MICHAEL OWEN EXPRESSES 'SHOCK' OVER EX-MAN UTD MANAGER BEING TAKEN TO HOSPITAL

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Michael Owen has opened up on his "shock" after learning that Sir Alex Ferguson had been taken to hospital, revealing he had spoken to the Manchester United legend just 24 hours earlier. The iconic former manager fell ill shortly before the Red Devils' Premier League victory over Liverpool, sparking concern across the football world.

Precautionary hospital trip from Old Trafford

The legendary manager was reportedly present at Old Trafford preparing to watch United take on their historic rivals when he began to feel unwell. Reports indicate that Ferguson was moved to medical care more than an hour before the scheduled kick-off on Sunday afternoon. The decision was described as a precautionary measure to ensure the well-being of the club's most successful manager ever.

While the sudden nature of the incident caused immediate worry among the United faithful, more positive news has since emerged. According to talkSPORT, Ferguson has already been allowed to return home to continue his recovery, with the situation deemed less serious than initially feared by some observers.

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Owen reveals 'sharp' Ferguson conversation

Former Manchester United striker Owen was among those surprised by the swift turn of events, sharing details of a lengthy phone conversation he had with Ferguson just a day before the Scotsman was hospitalised. Speaking on talkSPORT, Owen explained that the 84-year-old seemed in excellent spirits and perfect health during their Saturday morning catch-up.

"I spoke to him, I was on the phone to him for 40 minutes that morning," Owen revealed. "We're talking about football. We're talking about horses. As I say, he's got horses here [at Manor House Stables]. Most Saturday mornings, he gives me a call, and we go through all the horses for the day, and we share what we know and things like that."

Owen, who spent three seasons under Ferguson at Old Trafford, noted that there were no warning signs regarding his former boss' condition. "I speak to him regularly, and he sounded absolutely brilliant, sharp as a tack as normal," he added. "We were talking a lot about Scottish football and what was happening up there. So it was such a shock to hear, obviously, that the next day he was taken unwell, but hopefully it's not too serious."

Shared passion for horse racing

The bond between Owen and Ferguson has remained strong long after their professional relationship ended in 2012, largely due to their mutual love for horse racing. Owen even joked that he expects a call from the former manager very soon to discuss upcoming races at Chester.

"I haven't [had the chance to speak with him] since, but I would expect a message on my phone any time now because he'll see that we've got four or five runners today at Chester and he'll be wondering what's going on. Which horse should he be looking at?" Owen said.

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An enduring Old Trafford presence

Despite no longer holding a formal ambassadorial role at the club, Ferguson remains a constant presence at home matches. He is frequently seen in the directors' box, supporting the team he managed for over 26 years. His health has been a subject of public interest since he underwent emergency surgery following a brain haemorrhage in 2018, though this latest incident is not thought to be related.

The Manchester United community continues to hold the 13-time Premier League winner in the highest regard, and fans and former players alike will be heartened by Owen's account of the manager's mental sharpness as he prepares to return to his usual routine.

- Muhammad Zaki

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PAUL SCHOLES SHARES MICHAEL CARRICK TEXT MESSAGE AFTER SPARKING MAN UTD BACKLASH

Paul Scholes has clarified his Instagram story was not intended as a dig at Manchester United boss Michael Carrick.

Paul Scholes speaking on his podcast (Image: YouTube/The Good, the Bad and the Football Podcast)

Paul Scholes has insisted that the remarks he posted on an Instagram story last week were never meant as criticism of Michael Carrick, and says the Manchester United head coach took no offence after the pair discussed the matter privately. The former midfielder, 51, sparked controversy on social media after Carrick's side lost at Newcastle last Wednesday.

In an Instagram story, a written message from Scholes stated: "Michael has definitely got something about him...cos United have been crap last 4 games...night." Many interpreted Scholes' remarks as an attack on Carrick, who has presided over a significant upturn in form since replacing Ruben Amorim. The Newcastle loss represented his first setback since succeeding Amorim. Among those taken aback was Patrice Evra, with the former United left-back suggesting he hoped Scholes had been 'hacked'.

However, Scholes, speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, clarified matters on Monday following the criticism that he faced for his comment.

He said: "It was in no way intended to be offensive towards Michael. Michael's one of the nicest people in football, he would be the last person I want to offend.

"I messaged Michael anyway. I went straight to him and said 'Look I had no intention of upsetting you'. I don't think I needed to say that anyway, and he told me himself he wasn't upset by it.

"I think people have just taken it differently from what was meant. The only thing I was saying was that I don't think they played that well the last four games and he's still managing to get results.

"We had the greatest manager in the world and he always said sometimes you need a bit of luck. So with sending-offs and different things that happen through games, sometimes you do need a bit of luck, that's all I was saying."

Michael Carrick has won six and lost one of his eight games in charge this season (Image: Getty Images)

The loss against the 10-man Magpies represents the sole blemish on Carrick's record since taking charge of United in mid-January. He appeared equally frustrated as Scholes following the 2-1 defeat at St James' Park.

"We're not happy with the way we played the game. The way it panned out, it was in our hands largely, but credit to Newcastle," he remarked afterwards.

"We navigated to be in a position where we felt we should kick on. We didn't, really, so bitterly disappointed. I don't think it was the 10 men, we just didn't play good enough and we can't make excuses."

- Dan Marsh

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SIR ALEX FERGUSON SENT DARREN FLETCHER WARNING BEFORE TAKING MAN UTD JOB

Darren Fletcher will get the chance to manage Manchester United in Wednesday's clash with Burnley, having learned from one of the very best in Sir Alex Ferguson

Darren Fletcher played 342 games under Sir Alex Ferguson(Image: Clint Hughes/Getty Images)

Wednesday will see Darren Fletcher become the fifth player from the school of Sir Alex Ferguson to manage Manchester United for at least one game. Fletcher, 41, has been installed as the club's interim manager following the sacking of Ruben Amorim on Monday.

The former United midfielder, who came through their academy before making 342 appearances for the first-team, will lead the Red Devils in their trip to Burnley, joined by ex-team-mate Jonny Evans as part of his coaching staff. Fletcher has no experience of first-team management but he's been learning his trade in the world of coaching over the past few years.

In July, the Scot was appointed as head coach of United's under-18 side. Fletcher previously worked in assistant roles under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag, and became the club's first ever technical director in 2021.

Having been diagnosed with a chronic bowel disease in 2011 and been forced to stop playing temporarily, the five-time Premier League winner delved into coaching. A decade and a half later and he'll be on the touchline as United's interim boss.

Fletcher joins Solskjaer, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy as those to have played under Ferguson and gone on to stand where he did for the best part of 27 years. But not everyone is cut out for management in the long term, Ferguson has warned.

In 2017, the legendary former United manager spoke to West Bromwich Albion about Fletcher's prospects as a coach. "I think his long-term position will be as a coach," Ferguson explained.

"Maybe even management. He's got the presence, he's got the sacrifice. When you become a manager, Martin (interviewer), it's a sacrifice.

"You give up your family life, which I did. I scouted my own players, I went to games every week - midweek and everywhere. That's the kind of sacrifice and you need to have the type of wife who understands that."

Sir Alex Ferguson warned Darren Fletcher about the sacrifices of being a manager(Image: Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images)

While coaching at youth level brings its own pressures, nothing compares to a top job, especially at Old Trafford. Still, managing United is Fletcher's dream job.

"When I take my first steps on the management ladder, the goal is to become Manchester United manager because that's the pinnacle for me," he told the UTD Podcast in 2019. "Nothing tops that, nothing's bigger."

The road to becoming United's full-time manager may well start at Turf Moor. Currently, Fletcher is also expected to be remain in charge for Sunday's FA Cup tie at home to Brighton.

- Nathan Ridley

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