{"id":291449,"date":"2023-10-06T15:59:33","date_gmt":"2023-10-06T15:59:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportstoft.com\/?p=291449"},"modified":"2023-10-06T15:59:33","modified_gmt":"2023-10-06T15:59:33","slug":"man-utd-lead-tributes-to-sir-alex-fergusons-wife-cathy-who-was-family-leader","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportstoft.com\/soccer\/man-utd-lead-tributes-to-sir-alex-fergusons-wife-cathy-who-was-family-leader\/","title":{"rendered":"Man Utd lead tributes to Sir Alex Ferguson’s wife Cathy who was ‘family leader’"},"content":{"rendered":"
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    Tributes have poured in for Lady Cathy Ferguson, wife of former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, after her family announced she has passed away at the age of 84. <\/p>\n

    Lady Cathy was the rock behind Sir Alex\u2019s 26 years at Old Trafford where he built an unprecedented era of success by knocking Liverpool \u2018off their perch\u2019 and eclipsing the Reds\u2019 English league title count. She was also by the side of the great manager after he suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2018.<\/p>\n

    She and Sir Alex had three sons, including Peterborough United manager Darren, Mark and Jason, and 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The couple met in 1964 and married two years later, spending 57 years as husband and wife.<\/p>\n

    READ MORE: Sir Alex Ferguson was 'livid' with David Beckham after discovering 'London night out' <\/b><\/p>\n

    READ MORE: Roy Keane insists Sir Alex Ferguson hated 'losing control' of Man Utd players' lives <\/b><\/p>\n

    The family released an emotional statement on Friday announcing her death, the statement read: \u201cWe are deeply saddened to confirm the passing yesterday of Lady Cathy Ferguson, survived by her husband, three sons, two sisters, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The family asks for privacy at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Manchester United released a statement on Friday afternoon, which read: \u201cEveryone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the passing of Lady Cathy.<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    \u201cLady Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Sir Alex once described his wife as the \u2018leader\u2019 of the family, speaking previously he said: "I think a lot of the time, for 47 years, she\u2019s been the leader of the family, looked after our three sons and sacrificed herself for me."<\/p>\n

    Tributes came in from Manchester United and football fans across social media, with one comment saying: \u201cRIP Lady Cathy Ferguson and Stay strong Sir Alex Ferguson. We are all with you.\u201d A second said: \u201cWithout Lady Cathy Ferguson, there would be no Sir Alex Ferguson, and consequently, no legacy of Manchester United. Sir Alex\u2019s pillar.\u201d <\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    A third added: \u201cRest in peace Cathy Ferguson. Such an incredible support to Sir Alex and, indeed, a key figure in @ManUtd history when it came to the retirement U-turn in 2002. Incredibly sad news.\u201d While a fourth wrote: \u201c\u2019Behind every great man is a great woman.\u2019 Very sad news of the passing of Sir Alex\u2019s wife, Lady Cathy Ferguson. May she rest in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Flags will be lowered to half-mast at Old Trafford in tribute to Lady Cathy. United players will wear black armbands against Brentford on Saturday and the women\u2019s team will also wear black armbands against Arsenal on Friday night.<\/p>\n