Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he was left unable to speak following a brain haemorrhage in 2018, describing the loss of his voice as a frightening moment before therapy helped him recover.
The 84-year-old former Manchester United and Aberdeen manager recalled the incident while promoting his new book 'Games of My Life'. He told BBC Breakfast that he had lost his voice and could not speak, remembering his grandsons visiting him in hospital.
Therapy helped voice return
Ferguson explained that a therapist was brought in and asked him to write down names of birds, animals and rivers, which helped his voice come back. He said: "I had lost my voice; I couldn't speak. That was a frightening moment. I remember my grandsons coming to see me and I had lost my voice."
The former Scotland boss also spoke about receiving an emotional standing ovation at Old Trafford with his late wife Cathy just four months after the operation. He said: "I was terrified. I wish I could say I was comfortable. I wasn't. My wife was with me and she was nearly crying. When we sat down, she said 'that's fantastic'."
Recent health and legacy
Speaking weeks ahead of his 85th birthday, Ferguson, who previously said he was "lucky" to be alive after the incident, added: "I'm feeling quite good despite small injuries." In May this year, he was rushed to hospital after a sudden bout of sickness before Manchester United faced Liverpool, though the trip was understood to be precautionary.
Ferguson managed Manchester United from 1986 until his retirement in 2013, winning 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and two Champions League titles. He has remained a prominent figure at the club, regularly attending matches, though his ambassadorial role was ended by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as part of cost-cutting measures. Ferguson lost his wife Cathy in 2023 after 57 years of marriage.
