Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Sir Alex Ferguson Recalls Fearful Return to Old Trafford
Sir Alex Ferguson became seriously ill in May 2018 because of a brain haemorrhage.
He needed emergency surgery and spent time in intensive care.
For a while, he could not speak and did not remember collapsing.
Fewer than four months later, he went back to Old Trafford to watch Manchester United play.
He felt very frightened because he did not know how the fans would react.
The supporters applauded loudly when they saw him.
His wife, Lady Cathy, was beside him and was nearly crying.
Ferguson later said the moment showed how much the supporters cared about him.
Lady Cathy died in October 2023, aged 84.
Sir Alex Ferguson said he was “terrified” before returning to Old Trafford after suffering a brain haemorrhage in May 2018.
He returned less than four months later to watch Manchester United draw 1-1 with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Ferguson said he did not know how supporters would react until they applauded his introduction.
His wife, Lady Cathy, accompanied him and became emotional during the welcome.
The comments were made during a BBC Breakfast interview promoting his book Games of My Life.
- Who
- Sir Alex Ferguson, accompanied by his wife Lady Cathy, returned to Manchester United’s Old Trafford.
- What
- Ferguson discussed feeling terrified before returning after emergency surgery for a brain haemorrhage.
- When
- He returned less than four months after his May 2018 illness; the interview was given while promoting Games of My Life.
- Where
- Old Trafford in Manchester; Ferguson was treated at Macclesfield Hospital and Salford Royal.
- Why
- He wanted to attend a Manchester United match and reconnect with supporters after his recovery.
- Illness
- Brain haemorrhage in May 2018
- Treatment
- Emergency surgery and intensive care at Salford Royal
- Return match
- Manchester United 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Return timing
- Less than four months after the surgery
- Book
- Games of My Life
- Wife
- Lady Cathy died in October 2023, aged 84
- Manchester United tenure
- Managed the club from 1986 to 2013
- Career record
- 13 Premier League titles and 38 trophies in total