Peter Reid has revealed that spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson on Thursday shortly before the Manchester United legend had his emotional video message posted online.
Former United boss Fergie delivered his first public speech since suffering a brain haemorrhage in May.
After United tweeted a video of Ferguson thanking medical staff for helping him to survive and recover, former Manchester City and Sunderland manager Reid replied: ‘Had a cuppa with him today, in fine form’.
Sir Alex Ferguson has given his first public speech since suffering a brain haemorrhage in May
Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney also expressed their delight at seeing Ferguson in good health.
Ferguson looked well as he addressed the camera to say: ‘Hello. Just a quick message, first of all to thank the medical staff at Macclesfield, Salford Royal and Alexandra hospitals.
‘Believe me, without those people, who gave me such great care, I would not be sitting here today. So thank you from me and my family, thank you very much.
‘It’s made me feel so humble, as have all the messages I’ve received from all over the world, wishing me the best. And the good wishes do resonate very, very strongly with me. So thank you for that support you’ve given me.’
He added: ‘Lastly, I’ll be back later in the season to watch the team. In the meantime, all the best to Jose and the players. Thank you very much.’
Gary Neville replied to the video by retweeting it with a prayer emoji, while Rooney responded with a smiley face and a thumbs up.
Neville and Rooney were both key disciples of Ferguson during the Scot’s 26-year reign at Old Trafford.
Right back Neville, a regular captain, made 400 Premier League appearances between 1992 and 2011, winning eight titles with the club.
Rooney’s relationship with Ferguson was shorter in length but just as meaningful.
Most of Rooney’s 183 goals in 393 League appearances came under the guidance of Ferguson, who left the club four years before the ex-England skipper.
Spanish club Sevilla paid tribute to Ferguson via their English language Twitter account, writing: ‘The best message football could hope for today We’re delighted to see Sir Alex Ferguson doing so well.’
Meanwhile, ex-Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler said: ‘Great to see.’
Another Liverpool great, Terry McDermott, added: ‘Great to see and hopefully he will be back on the Racecourse soon as well as he loves his Racing’.