Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he was “terrified” when returning to Old Trafford for the first time following brain surgery in 2018.
The former Manchester United manager, now 84, suffered a brain haemorrhage at the age of 76 and returned to the stadium four months later to watch them play Wolves in the Premier League.
“I was terrified actually,” Ferguson told BBC Breakfast. “I wish I could say I was comfortable. I wasn’t.”
Ferguson and late wife Cathy were given a standing ovation when taking their seats in the directors’ box.
“My wife was with me, and she was nearly crying,” Ferguson said. “When we sat down, she said, ‘that’s fantastic’.”
Ferguson had retired as United boss five years before his brain haemorrhage, having won 36 major trophies during his 26-year spell in charge.
He also spoke about his fear after being left unable to talk in the days following his surgery.
“I had lost my voice. I couldn’t speak,” he said. “That was a frightening moment. I remember my grandsons coming to see me and I had lost my voice.
“Then they brought in a therapist and she started doing things like asking me to write down the names of birds, names of animals, names of rivers. That way my voice came back.”
When asked about his health now, he added: “I’m feeling quite good despite small injuries.”
Ferguson has a new book in the pipeline, ‘Games of My Life’, in which he recalls the 21 matches he feels defined his career.
His unrivalled trophy haul at Old Trafford included 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups, four League Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
