Ferguson’s recovery from life-threatening haemorrhage shown in new documentary

Sir Alex Ferguson’s fightback from a life-threatening brain haemorrhage is to be shown in a new documentary – directed by his son.

Cameras followed the football legend’s long road to recovery following his brush with death.

The former Man Utd and Aberdeen manager was rushed to hospital in May, 2018, after falling ill at home.

He had emergency treatment on a brain haemorrhage and spent several days in intensive care at Salford Royal Hospital, near Manchester.

The film has been directed by Ferguson’s son Jason, 48, who spent more than 50 hours recording the footage with his dad.

It began as a tribute to the extraordinary career of the man considered one of the greatest football managers of all time.

But he took ill just as filming began, and it was decided to include his ‘battle’ to recover.

It shows Sir Alex, 78, dealing with the threat of memory loss – and the love and support of his wife Cathy and his family.

Speaking to film industry website Screen Daily, producer John Battsek said: “A layer of the film is Sir Alex in recovery, grappling with the threat of the loss of his memory, that being the memory of the greatest football manager that ever lived.

“It’s Sir Alex’s real-life story from growing up in Govan in Glasgow, his career as a footballer and as a football manager to his battle recovering from the brain haemorrhage.

“It is a father-son story and a love story – the story of him and his amazing wife.”

Battsek said the team behind the film were keen for Jason, 48, to direct due to the bond he has with his father.

He said: “Jason had already recorded 50 hours of audio with his dad and his father trusted him, really trusted him.

“We felt that if we surrounded Jason with all sorts of experienced hands, he could handle it. He has done a phenomenal job.”

The documentary is expected to be released early next year and will be shown in cinemas.

It also features interviews with former players who worked under Ferguson including Gordon Strachan, Eric Cantona and Ryan Giggs.

Ferguson retired from the Old Trafford hot seat in May, 2013, after 27 years at the helm during which he won 38 trophies, including two Champions League titles.

Last year he raised £400,000 for the NHS as a thank you for the care he received during his health scare.

Speaking earlier this year after Manchester United announced a funding package to help the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic, Ferguson said: “I’m delighted we are now recognising the importance of our NHS, as I experienced two years ago after they saved my life.

“The response to this pandemic has been magnificent and has made me proud of the way the club and the British people have rallied round to help. Well done.”

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