Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he was "terrified" when he returned to Old Trafford for the first time after undergoing emergency brain surgery in 2018.
The former Manchester United manager suffered a brain haemorrhage in May 2018 and required emergency surgery before spending time in intensive care at Salford Royal Hospital.
Speaking in a new interview with BBC Breakfast, Ferguson described the fear he experienced during his recovery and the emotions surrounding his return to the stadium where he built one of football's greatest managerial careers.
Sky Sports reports that Ferguson returned to Old Trafford less than four months after being admitted to hospital.
"I was terrified"
Ferguson attended Manchester United's Premier League match against Wolves in September 2018, which finished 1 to 1.
The Scot admitted that he did not know how supporters would react when he returned.
"I was terrified," Ferguson told BBC Breakfast, adding that he was not comfortable as he prepared to enter the stadium again.
When his presence was announced inside Old Trafford, supporters responded with loud applause.
Ferguson said his wife Cathy was beside him and became emotional as they experienced the reception from Manchester United fans.
Sky Sports reports that Ferguson described the moment as an example of the generosity of United supporters and their recognition of his years at the club.
Ferguson feared losing his voice
The 84 year old also spoke about one of the most frightening periods of his recovery.
After the brain haemorrhage, Ferguson temporarily lost his ability to speak.
"I had lost my voice. I couldn't speak. That was a frightening moment," he told BBC Breakfast.
He recalled his grandsons visiting him while he was unable to speak normally.
A therapist later worked with Ferguson using exercises that included asking him to write down names of birds, animals and rivers. His speech gradually returned.
A life threatening emergency
Ferguson was 76 when he suffered the brain haemorrhage.
The medical emergency shocked the football world, with messages of support arriving from Manchester United supporters, former players, rival clubs and figures across the sport.
He later revealed that he had worried about losing both his memory and his ability to communicate.
His recovery eventually allowed him to return to public life and football.
Ferguson told BBC Breakfast that he is now feeling "quite good" despite some minor physical issues.
His wife Cathy helped him through recovery
Ferguson also highlighted the importance of his late wife Cathy during his recovery.
She accompanied him on his emotional return to Old Trafford and remained a central figure throughout his life after football.
Cathy Ferguson died in October 2023 at the age of 84.
The couple had been married since 1966 and had three sons.
Ferguson remains a familiar face at Old Trafford
More than eight years after the health emergency, Ferguson continues to attend Manchester United matches.
ESPN also reported his latest comments about the 2018 experience and his fear surrounding that first return to Old Trafford.
Ferguson retired as Manchester United manager in 2013 after more than 26 years in charge.
During that period, he transformed the club into the dominant force of the Premier League era, winning 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies among numerous other honours.
His latest interview, however, focused far less on trophies.
Instead, it revealed the fear and vulnerability behind one of the most emotional moments of his life, when he walked back into Old Trafford only months after a medical emergency that had threatened his ability to speak.
