Manchester United players arrive at training for first time since hearing of Sir Alex Ferguson’s shock brain haemorrhage operation
Old Trafford legend is recovering in intensive care after undergoing emergency surgery
MANCHESTER UNITED players arrived at training for the first time since hearing about their legendary former manager suffered a brain haemorrhage.
Sir Alex Ferguson is recovering in intensive care after undergoing emergency surgery on Saturday.
United’s stars wished Fergie, 76, well as they and the rest of the footballing world stand in his corner.
Phil Jones paid figure to “father” figure Ferguson, who signed him from Blackburn in 2011 as a 19-year-old.
He said: “He’s taken me under his wing like a father and it was shocking.
“It’s sad, but I know his character and I know he has that fight in him.
“He is such a legend in my eyes. He is the one who brought me to the club and gave me that opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“He has got all his family and friends around him, the support from all the players and staff at Manchester United and football around the world.
“When something like that does happen it’s nice that the football world comes together and shows support and we are all rooting for him.”
Today, United’s players returned to training looking to finish their season on a high for their old boss.
Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils left Brighton without a point on Friday after a disappointing 1-0 defeat.
The Portuguese ripped into strikers Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial after they failed to grab their chance in Romelu Lukaku’s absence.
Clashes against West Ham and Watford will wrap up United’s Premier League season with second place all-but assured.
Tottenham would have to win both games without Mourinho’s men picking up another point to pip them to runners up.
But United still have the chance of FA Cup glory when they take on Chelsea in the final this month.
Juan Mata called on his “overwhelmed” team-mates to win the competition for Fergie.
He wrote: “This blog’s entry is going to be particularly short, if you don’t mind.
“This Saturday, all of us were overwhelmed by the news about Sir Alex Ferguson’s health condition.
“This circumstance has had a huge impact on Manchester United, as you can imagine.
“All of us are united right now, wishing Sir Alex a speedy recovery.
“He has been a unique and fundamental figure in the football world over the last few decades.
“I’ve never been coached by him, unfortunately, yet I know well his incomparable legacy on this club, that winning mentality and fighting gen that we must honour in the last three games of the season, especially in the FA Cup final.
“To achieve that, we are going to work hard while we eagerly await good news about Sir Alex’s recovery.”