Sir Alex Ferguson was due to be in attendance at Old Trafford for Manchester United's clash against Liverpool on Sunday, but he was taken to the hospital after feeling unwell
Daniel Orme Trends Writer and Thomas Blow Deputy Editor
17:06, 03 May 2026Updated 17:10, 03 May 2026
Sir Alex Ferguson has been rushed to the hospital
Sir Alex Ferguson has been rushed to the hospital(Image: Getty Images)
Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to the hospital after falling ill at Old Trafford.
The news was confirmed during Sunday's game between Manchester United and Liverpool, with Sky Sports providing an update on the icon's status at half-time. Just as the second half was about to start, Sky host David Jones interrupted the channel's coverage to say: "One note of slight concern, concerning the great Sir Alex Ferguson, who's not actually been here (at Old Trafford) during the first half.
"He did attend the game earlier, but was then taken by ambulance to hospital, where he's having a close eye being kept on him. Of course, we all wish him our very best."
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It's believed the decision to take Ferguson to the hospital was a precautionary measure; the situation was not deemed an emergency. There is optimism that he will shortly be recovering at home.
This is not the first time the Scotsman has faced a health scare. He suffered a brain hemorrhage in 2018 but made a full recovery following successful surgery, with reports suggesting the latest incident is unrelated.
Reflecting on that ordeal in the 2021 film 'Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In', he said: "There were five brain hemorrhages that day. Three died. Two survived. You know you are lucky."
Ferguson is arguably Manchester United's greatest ever manager
Ferguson is arguably Manchester United's greatest ever manager(Image: Getty Images)
Ferguson masterminded the most triumphant era in United's history, taking the reins in 1986 and remaining in charge until his retirement in 2013.
During his tenure, United claimed 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and two Champions League trophies.
Since stepping down as manager, Ferguson has remained a prominent figure at the club, regularly attending home and away matches to support his former side.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe also brought Ferguson's ambassadorial role at the club to an end as part of his cost-cutting measures.
"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.
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"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."