Sir Alex Ferguson’s wife Cathy dies as Man Utd legend’s family confirm death

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Sir Alex Ferguson's wife Cathy has passed away with the Manchester United icon's family releasing an emotional statement.

Meeting in 1964 and marrying two years later, the couple spent 57 years as husband and wife, 27 of which he spent as the boss at Old Trafford.

The couple had three sons including Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson, with Cathy raising the kids as Sir Alex made his name as the greatest manager in Premier League history. The former striker was a rising star of Scottish football when they first met, with Cathy a devout Catholic.

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Cathy, who was by the side of Sir Alex after he suffered a brain haemorrhage back in 2018, was a regular visitor at Old Trafford including at the unveiling of his trophy back in 2012.

“We 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 statement read.

“The family asks for privacy at this time.”

The couple had lived in Wilmslow, Cheshire since he took up the job at United in 1986, remaining there when he opted to retire in 2013.

They had preciously lived in their native Scotland during his playing spells with Dunfermline, Rangers, Falkirk and Ayr United, as well as management role with East Stirlingshire, St Mirren, Aberdeen and with the national team.

The couple welcomed 12 grandchildren through their three boys, with Sir Alex retiring in 2013 to be by the side of his wife after the passing of her sister.

Sir Alex quoted his wife as saying when he tried to retire in 2002: "One, your health is good. Two, I’m not having you in the house. And three, you’re too young anyway."

Tributes have been pouring in for Cathy, who Sir Alex once described as the "leader" of their family, saying: "I think a lot of the time, for 47 years, she’s been the leader of the family, looked after our three sons and sacrificed herself for me."

One United fan wrote "Really heartbreaking news that Sir Alex Ferguson's wife, Cathy has passed away. Thoughts and prayers are with The Boss and family." Someone else said: "Our thoughts are with Sir Alex Ferguson and his family after the passing of his wife Cathy."

A third added: "My deepest condolences to Sir Alex and family on the passing of Lady Cathy Ferguson." While a fourth added: "Thoughts with SAF and the rest of his family over the sad news of the passing of his wife Lady Cathy."

• Manchester United FC
• Sir Alex Ferguson
• Premier League

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