Sir Alex Ferguson has made his first public appearance since suffering a brain haemorrhage as he released a video to thank the medics who saved his life.
In the short clip Ferguson, 76, appeared a picture of health sitting outside in a smart lilac shirt as he made a direct address to the camera.
The video will ease fears of fans who had been desperate for news on the legendary manager, who was rushed to hospital in May after a brain haemorrhage and a subsequent fall at his Cheshire home.
Sir Alex Ferguson has issued a statement thanking people after his brain haemorrhage
The legendary boss was speaking publicly for the first time after taking dangerously ill
Ferguson admits that without the help he received, he would unlikely be alive to tell the tale
‘Just a quick message, first of all, to thank the medical staff at Macclesfield, Salford Royal and Alexandra Hospitals,’ said Ferguson.
‘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 all the messages I’ve had 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.
‘Lastly I’ll be back later this season to watch the team and in the meantime all the best to Jose and the players. Thank you very much.’
The video was immediately greeted with a warm reception from Manchester United fans and the sporting world.
Popular United fan site ‘The United Stand’ wrote: ‘This is the moment of the summer. Fantastic news!!! Love this man.’
Prior to illness Ferguson was last seen at Arsene Wenger’s final game at Old Trafford in April
The legendary boss has said he will return later in the season to watch his beloved United
Following his hospital release Ferguson has been recovering at home watching the World Cup
Ferguson’s former club Aberdeen were equally as delighted with the news, writing: ‘On the day when we embark on another European campaign, everyone at Pittodrie is delighted to hear from Sir Alex!’
The relief of Ferguson’s health was felt across the North Atlantic as Wayne Rooney, now of DC United, shared the video of his former boss while adding: ‘Brilliant to see!’
And ex-England midfielder peter Reid, who played for and managed manchester City, tweeted: ‘Great news, had a cuppa with him today, in fine form.’
After being initially treated for the brain haemorrhage, Ferguson was transferred, with a police escort, to be further taken care of at the Salford Royal where he undertook surgery and remained in intensive care.
The former United boss was released from hospital just over six weeks ago with doctors informing the 76-year-old that he was ‘extremely lucky’ to be alive.
In recent weeks, he has been recovering at home in Wilmslow, while watching the World Cup.
The Scotsman has been highly fortunate with the rate of his recovery, which became apparent after a family source admitted the situation could have been much worse.
Ferguson ‘dodged a bullet’ after surviving a potentially life-threatening brain haemorrhage, it was revealed.
‘Alex absolutely dodged a bullet. He feels incredibly grateful to still be around. Doctors told him he’s statistically extremely lucky to be alive,’ a source told the Sun.
‘He’s been cheered by those closest to him — with the World Cup playing in the background.’