Sir Alex Ferguson Opens Up on His Biggest Fear as He Reflects on His Time at Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary Manchester United manager, has spoken candidly about his biggest fear in life – the threat of dementia. In a rare interview with BBC Breakfast, the 82-year-old Scottish manager revealed his concerns about the disease, which has affected several of his former players, including Nobby Stiles, Sir Bobby Charlton, and Denis Law.
Ferguson, who won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups, and four League Cups during his 27-year tenure at United, expressed his worry about the potential impact of dementia on his own life. "I’m 82, obviously I worry about it. Generally my memory is quite good, pray the lord and touch wood it will stay that way," he said. "But I worry about it, 100 per cent. I would be lying if I said anything different."
The former United manager has been actively involved with a dementia charity and has spoken about the importance of staying mentally active to prevent the onset of the disease. He revealed that he regularly participates in quizzes, including online quizzes with 100 questions, to keep his mind sharp. "If I don’t get to 70 per cent, I’m struggling," he joked.
Ferguson’s comments come as no surprise, given the worrying trend of dementia affecting many former footballers. Nobby Stiles, a World Cup winner with England, was diagnosed with dementia in 2015 and passed away in 2020. Sir Bobby Charlton, another World Cup winner, has also been diagnosed with dementia. The former United manager himself suffered a brain haemorrhage six years ago, which required emergency surgery.
Despite his concerns about dementia, Ferguson remains a beloved figure in the football world and is still regularly seen attending Manchester United matches. When asked about missing life at Old Trafford, he said, "I have been retired 11 years now so you find a way of adjusting. Yeah, I miss it sometimes. I think the first year after retirement, I went to the European final and I said to Cathy ‘this is what I miss’ – big games, the European games."
Ferguson’s passion for the game remains unwavering, and he believes that Manchester United should always be involved in the biggest events in European football. "Because these are the big events that United should always be involved in," he said.
As we continue to learn more about dementia and its impact on footballers, it’s essential to remember the importance of mental health and well-being. Ferguson’s openness about his fears is a vital reminder of the need for awareness and support.
Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates