Sir Alex Ferguson taken to hospital as precaution before Manchester United's win over Liverpool

Key facts

• Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital before Manchester United's Premier League match against Liverpool on Sunday.
• The 84-year-old was admitted as a precaution after falling unwell at Old Trafford, not as an emergency.
• Ferguson was pictured with cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra at the stadium hours before kick-off.
• He was taken by ambulance from the tunnel area to the hospital.
• A source confirmed after the match that Ferguson had gone home and was OK.
• Manchester United won 3-2 against Liverpool.
• Ferguson suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2018 that required life-saving surgery.
• He won a record 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues during his 27-year tenure.

A sudden departure from Old Trafford

Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary former manager of Manchester United, was taken to hospital shortly before his former club's Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday after falling unwell at Old Trafford. The 84-year-old, who had been pictured with guests in the directors' box a couple of hours before kick-off, was moved from the tunnel area to an ambulance and transported to a medical facility. Sources close to the club stressed that the admission was a precautionary measure and not a medical emergency.

Precautionary checks and discharge

Club officials declined to comment formally but indicated that Ferguson's condition was not alarming. A source close to Ferguson, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed after the match that he had been allowed to return home following precautionary checks. The source stated that he was OK. Dr Aseem Malhotra, a consultant cardiologist, had posted a photograph on X showing himself with Ferguson earlier in the day, describing the encounter as 'a privilege, honour and dream come true'.

Carrick's tribute and the win

Manchester United's interim head coach Michael Carrick, who played under Ferguson for 12 years after being signed from Tottenham in 2006, said he learned of the incident before the game. 'All I can say is I was affected, we wish him all the best and hopefully the result gives him a good boost,' Carrick said after United's 3-2 victory. Carrick won five Premier League titles and the Champions League under Ferguson's guidance.

Ferguson's health history

In May 2018, Ferguson underwent life-saving surgery after suffering a brain haemorrhage and spent time in intensive care. He spoke in detail about his recovery three years later. There is no indication that Sunday's events are linked to that previous health issue. Ferguson, who retired as United manager in 2013, remains a regular presence at Old Trafford, despite having his paid ambassadorial role cut by minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2024 as part of cost-cutting.

A record-breaking legacy

Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in football history. During his 27-year tenure at Manchester United, he won 13 Premier League titles between 1993 and 2013, a record for a manager in English top-flight football. He also led the club to two Champions League triumphs, including the historic treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the 1998-99 season. Only Manchester City have matched that treble, doing so in 2023. In total, Ferguson's United won five FA Cups, four League Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup.

What comes next

Club officials are optimistic that Ferguson will soon be fit enough to return home. No further update on his condition has been provided since his discharge. The incident, while resolved without serious consequences, has underscored the fragility of the 84-year-old's health and his enduring connection to the club he built into a global powerhouse.

The bottom line

• Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital as a precaution before Manchester United's 3-2 win over Liverpool and later discharged.
• The 84-year-old former manager had a brain haemorrhage in 2018 but Sunday's incident appears unrelated.
• Michael Carrick, who played under Ferguson, dedicated the victory to his former boss.
• Ferguson's 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League wins remain unmatched in English football.
• Despite reduced official duties, Ferguson remains a visible presence at Old Trafford.