‘I COULDN’T SPEAK’ — FERGUSON RECALLS BATTLE AFTER BRAIN HAEMORRHAGE
Read Time:1 Minute, 46 Second
By: Fasasi Hammad
Ex-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has opened up about his recovery from a brain haemorrhage, recalling the fear and uncertainty he experienced following emergency surgery in 2018.
Ferguson suffered the haemorrhage in May 2018 and returned to Old Trafford four months later to watch Manchester United take on Wolves in a Premier League fixture.
Despite spending 26 years at the helm of Manchester United and becoming one of football’s most successful managers, Ferguson admitted he felt nervous about returning to the stadium.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Ferguson said he was far from comfortable as he made his return to Old Trafford.
The former manager, who was accompanied by his wife, Cathy, received a standing ovation from supporters as they took their seats in the directors’ box.
Recalling the emotional moment, Ferguson said his wife was almost in tears and described the reception as “fantastic.”
Ferguson was 76 when he suffered the haemorrhage, five years after retiring from management. Although he gradually recovered, he said the early stages were particularly challenging.
He revealed that he temporarily lost his ability to speak, describing the experience as frightening.
“I had lost my voice; I couldn’t speak,” he recalled.
Ferguson also remembered how his grandsons visited him during his recovery and witnessed his difficulty speaking.
A therapist later helped him begin rebuilding his speech through a series of exercises, including writing down the names of birds, animals and rivers.
According to Ferguson, the exercises eventually helped his voice return.
Now approaching his 85th birthday, the legendary Scottish manager said he is feeling well, despite dealing with some minor injuries.
Ferguson has also reflected on his remarkable football career in his new book, Games of My Life, which examines 21 defining matches from his playing and managerial career.
During his 26-year tenure at Manchester United, Ferguson won 38 trophies and established himself as one of the most decorated managers in football history.
His latest reflections provide a personal account of both his extraordinary career and the difficult recovery that followed one of the most serious health challenges of his life.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0