Sir Alex Ferguson was photographed smiling at Old Trafford just hours before he was taken to hospital on Sunday — a moment captured by a cardiologist who called it "a privilege and honour" to meet the legendary manager.
Ferguson, 84, fell unwell at the Manchester United stadium shortly before the club's Premier League clash with Liverpool. Sources close to the situation moved quickly to reassure fans: this was a precautionary admission, not an emergency. The former United manager, who spent 27 years building one of football's most glittering empires, was seen with guests at the stadium a couple of hours before kick-off.
Dr Aseem Malhotra, a consultant cardiologist, posted a picture on X showing Ferguson and him together, writing: "A privilege, honour and dream come true to be invited to spend some quality time with Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of the game against Liverpool today at Old Trafford."
The ambulance departure came from the tunnel area of the stadium. Club officials have expressed optimism that Ferguson will soon be fit enough to return home. No further public update on his condition had been provided as of Sunday evening.
Ferguson, who managed United from 1986 to 2013, won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, and countless other trophies during an unprecedented reign. He suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2018 that left him seriously ill, and spoke publicly about his recovery three years later — a recovery that saw him return to regular matchday appearances at Old Trafford.
After United clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory over their Anfield rivals, head coach Michael Carrick — a player Ferguson signed from Tottenham in 2006 who went on to win five Premier League titles and the Champions League under his management — sent warm wishes from the dressing room. "I wish him all the best," Carrick said. "Hopefully when he hears about the result it will give him a good boost."
For now, the football world waits alongside the man who defined an era — united, as he so often made United, in hope.