Sir Alex Ferguson admits terror after brain haemorrhage on Man Utd
Sir Alex Ferguson, the 84‑year‑old former Manchester United manager, opened up to the BBC about the "frightening" brain haemorrhage that forced emergency surgery in 2018. He explained how the operation left him without a voice and how therapy helped him recover. Four months later he stepped back onto Old Trafford in the Theatre of Dreams to a standing ovation, and he now feels at his best as a new memoir looms.
During a BBC Breakfast interview Ferguson said, "I had lost my voice; I couldn't speak. That was a frightening moment." He recalled therapists asking him to write down the names of birds, animals and rivers until his speech returned. The anecdote illustrates the painstaking rehabilitation that followed the surgery.
Return to the Theatre of Dreams
Four months after the operation Ferguson returned to Old Trafford, situated in Trafford, when the Red Devils faced Wolves. The crowd rose for a standing ovation as his wife Cathy nearly wept. He later admitted, "I was terrified, actually," adding that comfort was far from his feeling that day. The emotional scene underscored how personal the comeback was for the Scot.
Looking ahead with a new memoir
Ferguson, who turns 85 in December, is preparing the release of his book "Games of My Life", which will chart the 21 defining matches of his playing and managerial career. He says the project finds him "two months shy of my birthday" and feeling good within himself. The memoir will also revisit his early days, from St Johnstone to a near‑quit that sent him to Canada.
Comments Sport Stephen Killen, Senior Sports Content Creator, noted the interview at 07:05 on 02 Oct 2026. View 2 Images accompany the story, highlighting Ferguson’s emotional moments.
Reflecting on his roots, Ferguson recalled winning his first cup final for Govan High School in Glasgow, calling it "my starting point". He added, "I played for Glasgow Schools, Scotland Schools and the Scotland youth team," and described the reserves spell that led him to phone his aunt in Canada for a sponsor.
Today the legend is a regular attendee at Old Trafford, watching the team he built dominate English and European football. OUR MAN UTD fans continue to celebrate his legacy, and the Red Devils remain a central part of his life.