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I was terrified – Sir Alex Ferguson feared Man United return after brain surgery

The former Manchester United manager, now 84, suffered a brain haemorrhage at the age of 76

Published: Friday, 2 October 2026 at 9:47 AM
I was terrified – Sir Alex Ferguson feared Man United return after brain surgery
Key Things to Know
  • Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he felt "terrified" returning to Old Trafford following his 2018 brain surgery.
  • Ferguson returned to Old Trafford four months after his brain hemorrhage to watch Manchester United face Wolves.
  • The former manager recalled temporarily losing his voice post-surgery before recovering it through therapy.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he felt "terrified" when returning to Old Trafford following emergency brain surgery in 2018. Ferguson suffered a brain hemorrhage at age 76 and attended his first match four months later alongside his late wife, Cathy, when United played Wolves in the Premier League. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, the 84-year-old admitted he was deeply uncomfortable about making the public appearance despite receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

Ferguson also recounted the frightening experience of losing his voice following the procedure, which he recovered with the help of a speech therapist. Now feeling in good health, Ferguson won 36 major trophies during his 26-year tenure at Manchester United and is preparing to release an upcoming book titled 'Games of My Life.'

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