Sir Alex Ferguson Recounts Health Scare and Career Defining Matches

Sir Alex Ferguson, one of football's most decorated managers, has spoken about the profound fear he experienced upon returning to Old Trafford for the first time after suffering a brain hemorrhage in May 2018. Four months after emergency surgery, Ferguson, known for his intense 'hairdryer treatment' during Manchester United's dominant era, admitted he was apprehensive about the reception he would receive from supporters upon his return to watch his beloved club. However, his worries proved unfounded as he and his wife, Cathy, were met with a standing ovation.

Ferguson, who had retired five years prior to his health scare after winning 38 trophies in 26 years with Manchester United, is now approaching his 85th birthday. He told BBC Breakfast that he is feeling "quite good despite small injuries." His reflections come as he prepares to release a new book, 'Games of My Life,' which details 21 significant matches from his playing and managerial career, offering insights into his journey from Glasgow to European football dominance.

He described the days immediately following his brain surgery as frightening, particularly the loss of his voice. "I had lost my voice; I couldn't speak," he recalled. "That was a frightening moment." He recounted how a therapist helped him regain his voice through exercises, such as naming birds, animals, and rivers.

A Near Departure for Canada

During his tenure at Manchester United, from 1986 to 2013, Ferguson secured 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles, five FA Cups, and multiple other trophies. The book delves into key moments, starting with a cup final win for Govan High School in 1955 when he was 13 years old. He credits his upbringing in Govan for shaping his character, with his mother Elizabeth fostering his confidence and his father Alexander, a shipyard worker, instilling a drive to succeed.

Ferguson's playing career saw him debut for Queen's Park at 16. A challenging period at St Johnstone nearly led him to abandon football for a new life in Canada. "I wasn't enjoying it. I wasn't playing first-team football; I was in the reserves all the time," he said. He had completed the necessary paperwork and contacted his aunt in Canada, without informing his parents, when a flu outbreak led to his unexpected inclusion in the starting XI against Rangers. A hat-trick in that 1963 match revitalized his playing career and set him on the path to management. "I would say this to young people - don't miss the biggest opportunity in your life. It's recognising it," he advised.

Managing Player Transfers and Young Talent

Ferguson also reflected on difficult decisions, such as the 1995 sale of midfielder Paul Ince to Inter Milan. He shared letters from disgruntled fans expressing their dismay. "Paul was a tremendous footballer, there's no doubt about that," Ferguson acknowledged. "He had incredible ability, but I just had that feeling that he just got carried away a bit at the time." He recalled weighing the offer against the emergence of Paul Scholes before deciding to sell Ince for £7.5 million, a decision he stated was part of a manager's job to make difficult choices.

A notebook on display contained a list of names Ferguson used for inspiration, including World War Two general Bernard Montgomery and Winston Churchill. He humorously noted that Ince's name also appeared, a reference to a past incident where Ferguson had once called Ince a "big-time Charlie," a comment he later regretted but has since reconciled with Ince, who is now a friend.

Trusting Youth

Ferguson also discussed the famous 'Class of 92', a group of young players who rose to prominence after the departure of Ince and forward Mark Hughes in the summer of 1995. Despite Alan Hansen's infamous assertion that "You can't win anything with kids," this young United side went on to win the Premier League and FA Cup double that season. "We'd worked really hard getting youth into the club again and this bunch of young lads became the spirit of Manchester United," Ferguson said. He noted that David Beckham, though possessing great ability, was initially thin and took longer to develop physically, even believing Ferguson was trying to get rid of him when sent on loan to Preston.

Ferguson drew parallels to his earlier management at St Mirren and Aberdeen, emphasizing his belief in providing opportunities to young players. "I had belief in young people because if you give them an opportunity there are two things that happen - they become real stars and they can remain loyal to you as a manager," he stated.