Sir Alex Ferguson has emergency surgery for brain haemorrhage

The procedure went "very well", according to a statement from Manchester United, but he will remain in intensive care. The 76-year-old retired as United manager in 2013.

Ferguson’s son Darren, manager of Doncaster, had earlier missed his side’s final match of the League One season due to a "severe family issue".

A United statement read: "Sir Alex Ferguson has undergone emergency surgery today for a brain haemorrhage. The procedure has gone very well but he needs a period of intensive care to optimise his recovery.

"His family request privacy in this matter."

Ferguson led United to 38 trophies during an unrivalled 26-year spell in charge, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues.

He was at Old Trafford last Sunday to see his former side’s 2-1 win over Arsenal, where he presented outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger with a commemorative silver vase.

Within moments of United’s official statement, the world of football was offering its support.

Former United forward Cristiano Ronaldo: "My thoughts and prayers are with you, my dear friend. Be strong, Boss!"

Michael Carrick, United club captain: "Absolutely devastated to hear about Sir Alex being unwell in hospital. All my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Be strong Boss."

Liverpool statement: "The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Sir Alex Ferguson and his family... a great rival but also a great friend who supported this club during its most difficult time, it is hoped that Sir Alex will make a full recovery."

Aberdeen, Ferguson's former club: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with Aberdeen Football Club are with our former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson and his family following tonight’s news."

Mike Phelan, Ferguson's former assistant at United: "You’ve won more than most and if anyone can you can boss."

Former England striker Gary Lineker: "Very sorry to hear the news that Sir Alex Ferguson is seriously ill in hospital. Wish him all the very best."

Manchester City: "Everyone at Manchester City wishes Sir Alex Ferguson a full and speedy recovery after his surgery."

Former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar: "Devastated about the news about Sir Alex and knowing all to well about the situation ourselves. Stay strong and hope together with everyone you recover."

Alan Shearer, Premier League all-time top scorer: "Sad news about Sir Alex. Sending him and his family my very best wishes."

Arsenal: "We’re all thinking of you, Sir Alex."

FIFA: "We join many across the world of football in sending our best wishes to Sir Alex Ferguson."

United defender Ashley Young: "Gutted to hear the news tonight about Sir Alex. Don’t really know what else to say other than thoughts and prayers with you and your family, Boss."

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry: "Just heard the news about Sir Alex Ferguson. Wishing him and his family all the strength for a speedy recovery."

Ferguson made his managerial reputation in his native Scotland with Aberdeen, winning three Scottish League titles and the European Cup Winners' Cup.

After taking Scotland to the 1986 World Cup following the death of Jock Stein, Ferguson joined United in November 1986 after Ron Atkinson was sacked.

It took three and a half years to achieve his first success with them, the FA Cup title in 1990.

From there he was unstoppable, quickly achieving his ambition to "knock Liverpool off their perch" as United became the team of the 90s and beyond, winning a historic Treble in 1999.

In 2001 he decided to leave the following year but was persuaded by his family to change his mind and stayed on until 2013.

Since Ferguson left, United have struggled to repeat his triumphs and great rivals Manchester City have now won two titles in that time, including this season's.