United release second statement thanking support and wishes from around the world
Sunday 6 May 2018 15:08, UK
Well-wishers from inside and outside the world of football have taken to social media to offer their support to Sir Alex Ferguson.
The former Manchester United manager is recovering in Salford Royal hospital after undergoing surgery on Saturday after he suffered a brain haemorrhage.
Ferguson won 38 trophies during his 26 years at Old Trafford, including 13 league titles and two Champions Leagues, before he stepped down in 2013.
Current and former United players have rallied around Ferguson and the Old Trafford club released a second statement on Sunday afternoon thanking "its friends in the wider football world for the countless messages of support".
Such is Ferguson's influence, a number of leading figures from outside the club - and football - have also sent messages.
Pele offered his best wishes on twitter and said: "I woke up to hear that Sir Alex Ferguson is in hospital. A Manchester United man through and through. Get well soon, Sir Alex".
Local rivals Manchester City offered their encouragement by tweeting: "Everyone at Manchester City wishes Sir Alex Ferguson a full and speedy recovery after his surgery #footballfamily."
Carlo Ancelotti, a manager who Ferguson came up against a number of times during the Italian's time in charge of a number of leading European clubs, tweeted: "Impatiently waiting for positive news. Thinking of you my dear friend."
St Mirren, the club Ferguson managed before taking over at Aberdeen, tweeted: "Everyone at St Mirren sends our best wishes to Sir Alex Ferguson and pray for a speedy recovery."
League Managers' Association (LMA) chairman Howard Wilkinson was keen to pass on his good wishes on behalf of his members.
"I was extremely sorry to hear the news about Sir Alex this evening," read a statement on the LMA official website.
"I, together with the whole fraternity of football managers in the LMA, wish him well and hope for a speedy recovery from his surgery.
"All our thoughts are with Lady Cathy and the rest of Sir Alex's family at this difficult time."
The Premier League also gave their support, saying: "The thoughts of everyone at the Premier League are with Sir Alex Ferguson and his family following news that he underwent emergency surgery today."
Away from the world of football, broadcaster Eamonn Holmes, a friend of Sir Alex and his family, described the Scotsman as a "part of my life personally and professionally for over 30 years. An amazing man and friend."
Golfer Ian Poulter was also among those also keen to wish him well as he tweeted a picture of them together.
