LONDON: Manchester United have announced that Sir Alex Ferguson no longer needs intensive care after undergoing emergency surgery on Saturday for a brain haemorrhage.

Ferguson, 76, will continue his rehabilitation as an inpatient at Salford Royal Hospital. The Scot retired as United manager in May 2013 after winning 38 trophies during 26 years in charge.

The club added that “his family have been overwhelmed by the level of support.”

The Football Association, Premier League, FIFA, UEFA and individual clubs and players from Britain and around the world had all sent their best wishes after Ferguson was taken ill last weekend.

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 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.

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