Sir Alex Ferguson worries he may miss Manchester United's new stadium

In a quiet study at his home, Sir Alex Ferguson, now 84, signed the final pages of his new book Games of My Life and confessed that thoughts of death cross his mind when he imagines Manchester United moving into a brand‑new stadium. The former manager, who survived a brain haemorrhage in May 2018 and the loss of his beloved wife Lady Cathy, says he is not afraid of dying but wonders if he will be alive to celebrate the opening.

Reflections on mortality and legacy

Ferguson writes, “I’m not one to dwell on what my Maker has in store for me, nor am I afraid of dying. Mortality is always with us, even at the most unexpected of times.” He adds that he wants to “squeeze the most out of life” and spend time with the many people he still loves. The former 13‑time Premier League champion also notes that the prospect of a five‑year construction timeline makes him think he could be pushing ninety before the stadium is ready.

He tells readers, “I hope they get to break ground quickly, because if it takes five years to complete, I’ll be pushing ninety. However, I know I’ll be at the ceremony one way or another – in person or in spirit.”

Book highlights personal battles

The memoir focuses on 21 matches that defined his career and personal life, including his first appearance back at Old Trafford after his brain operation – a Premier League clash with Wolves. Ferguson describes the day of his surgery at Salford Royal, recalling that only two of the five patients survived, and credits quick‑witted family members, skilled paramedics and timely scans for his survival.

He also recounts the emotional reception he received at Old Trafford in 2018, saying, “From the moment I got out of the car at the stadium, I felt as if an entire community was opening its heart to me. It was overwhelming… it signalled that I hadn’t been forgotten.”

Another chapter revisits the 2024 FA Cup final, United’s victory over Manchester City, which followed the 2023 final – one of the last games he attended before Lady Cathy’s death in October 2023 after 57 years of marriage. He writes, “The 2023 final was particularly painful… a black cloud hung over it because of Cathy’s increasing frailty.”

Ferguson’s sons and grandsons carried Lady Cathy’s coffin at a moving service in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Glasgow, a moment he describes as “enormously touching” given the outpouring of support from all parts of his life.

Ben Crawford, Senior Sports Writer, notes that the book offers a rare glimpse into the private thoughts of the football icon, combining personal tragedy with the enduring love he holds for Manchester United.