The reaction to the news that Sir Alex Ferguson has suffered a brain haemorrhage has been as satisfying as the news of his condition has been upsetting. Sir Alex is one of those characters you somehow think will be around forever. Tough and uncompromising, the passage of time would have no effect on him. How easily we forget our mortality.
I am no supporter of Manchester United – to say the least! – but having said that my admiration for his greatness as a manager knows no bounds. Not only did United win things, lots of things, they won with style. The United way.
The last time I saw Sir Alex on telly was last week at Old Trafford when he presented an award to his old rival Arsene Wenger. He looked fit and well, full of smiles. He looked well enough to be in the home dug out. The last thing I expected was the news we got last night.
I have virtually given up going to games because of the hate I perceive, fairly or otherwise, to be on the terraces. The hate and the Schadenfreude has quite put me off our national game. And it has made my mental health worse. The love Sir Alex has received since last night has warmed my heart.
All his rivals – enemies, even – have been quick to rally to his side. Liverpool, Manchester City – everyone you could imagine – is wishing him well. Before Chelsea’s game with Liverpool today, a picture of Sir Alex was displayed on the big screen. Both sets of supporters applauded spontaneously. When I heard it on the radio, I can’t deny I felt very emotional.
We need Sir Alex to make a speedy and full recovery. For his family above all and football in general. He is a true great, arguably the greatest manager of them all. And we need the love that has been felt since last night. Our country remains massively divided in so many ways. This sad episode seems to have united us all. Let’s hope it carries on.
