Alex Ferguson is in intensive care after undergoing emergency surgery following a brain haemorrhage.
Rumours began to circulate about the 76-year-old's health after Doncaster manager Darren Ferguson, Alex's son, did not attend his side's final match of the season against Wigan because of what was reported as a "severe family issue".
Manchester United announced the news in a brief statement on Saturday evening, adding: "The procedure has gone very well but he needs a period of intensive care to aid his recovery. His family request privacy in this matter. Everyone at Manchester United sends our very best wishes."
Ferguson had a prolific career as a striker in Scotland but it was when he entered management that his true talent in football became clear.
After transforming St Mirren, Ferguson took over the hot-seat at Aberdeen and guided them to the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1983, beating Real Madrid in the final.
Ron Atkinson's sacking led to Ferguson taking over at Old Trafford in November 1986. Famously, success did not come immediately, and football folklore has it that Ferguson was nearly shown the door himself before an FA Cup triumph in 1990 paved the way for an unprecedented two decades of glory.
The highlight, of course, was United's treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in 1999, and he went on to achieve more European glory in 2008 as well as 13 league titles.
Just last week Ferguson had seemed in good health as he presented a commemorative vase to old rival Arsene Wenger on the occasion of the Frenchman's last visit to Old Trafford with Arsenal.
Messages of goodwill for Ferguson poured in from United players past and present.
Devasted about the news about Sir Alex and knowing all to well about the situation ourselves. Stay strong and hope together with everyone you recover. Edwin & Annemarie pic.twitter.com/aaxqRI9Bg7
— Edwin van der Sar (@vdsar1970) May 5, 2018
Please🙏 Be strong🙏Win this one🙏
— Peter Schmeichel (@Pschmeichel1) May 5, 2018
Absolutely devastated to hear about Sir Alex being unwell in hospital. All my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Be strong Boss xx
— Michael Carrick (@carras16) May 5, 2018
Thoughts and prayers sir alex 🙌🏾
— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) May 5, 2018
#SirAlex You’ve won more than most and if anyone can you can boss pic.twitter.com/mbpBHpNzfc
— Mike Phelan (@Mike_Phelan_1) May 5, 2018
Get well soon Boss. Thoughts with all the family at this sad time. #AlexFerguson
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) May 5, 2018
Former United striker Mark Hughes, speaking after his Southampton's side's draw with Everton, said: "I only just got a little whisper earlier on. I was hoping it wasn't true. I wish him all the best."
Everton manager Sam Allardyce said: "It is tragic. I am going to find out how he is as soon as I possibly can.
"Obviously I knew it was extremely serious when I knew his son Darren didn't attend his own game at Doncaster today.
"I hope he is in good hands and I hope the operation is a major success because as a personal friend...I hope he has a full recovery."
Liverpool FC also offered their best wishes to Ferguson.
The club said in a statement: "A great rival but also a great friend who supported this club during its most difficult time, it is hoped that Sir Alex will make a full recovery."
Howard Wilkinson, the chairman of the League Managers Association, said he was "extremely sorry" to hear the news of Ferguson's illness.
He added in a statement: "I, together with the whole fraternity of football managers in the LMA, wish him well and hope for a speedy recovery from his surgery."
