SIR Alex Ferguson’s beloved wife Cathy has died aged 84.
The wife of the former Manchester United manager died in Cheshire yesterday morning.
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Sir Alex Ferguson’s wife has died aged 84 Credit: Getty
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Cathy and the former Man United manager have been married since 1966. Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
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Cathy has been by Sir Alex’s side throughout his playing career and journey into management Credit: Rex
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Lady Cathy is believed to have died yesterday morning in Cheshire Credit: Getty
A statement on behalf of the Ferguson family said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing yesterday of Lady Cathy Ferguson, who is survived by her husband, three sons, two sisters, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The family requests privacy at this time.”
The couple were married for almost 60 years before she sadly passed away.
Flags were flown at half-mast at Old Trafford in tribute to Lady Cathy.
United will wear black armbands against Brentford tomorrow and the women’s team are expected to wear them against Arsenal tonight.
A Manchester United statement said: “Everyone at Manchester United extends our sincere condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the passing of Lady Cathy, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a pillar of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career.”
Cathy first met Sir Alex, 81, in 1964 when he was just 23, and they married shortly afterwards in 1966.
Sir Alex wrote in his autobiography: “I was lucky enough to meet a wonderful girl who has been my rock for almost 50 years.”
Together, the couple have three sons – Mark, born in 1968, and twins, football manager Darren and Jason, born in 1972 – and 12 grandchildren.
Commenting on their family life, Alex once said: “Cathy is fantastic with children.
“This is a military operation with her. If any of them misbehave, they’re in the dog house.”
Cathy has been by Sir Alex’s side throughout his playing career and his journey into management.
There were claims that Ferguson suffered discrimination at Rangers between 1967 and 1969 because of his wife’s Catholicism.
However, he made it clear in his autobiography that the club knew about her religion.
She was by Sir Alex’s side as he rose to become one of the world’s greatest managers, starting at St Mirren in the 1970s, then to Aberdeen in the 1980s, where he won the Cup Winners’ Cup, and then to his legendary reign as Manchester United manager from 1986. until 2013.
When Sir Alex initially wanted to retire in 2002, Cathy famously convinced him to stay on as Red Devils boss.
“First, your health is good,” Sir Alex claimed, Cathy said.
“Two, I don’t want you in the house. And three, you’re too young anyway.”
But she failed to convince her husband to recommit to Old Trafford in 2011, before he finally retired in 2013.
“I will not manage here for more than three years at the most. No question. I can assure you of that,” Ferguson said at the time.
“You have to think about time for yourself. I think my wife deserves some of my time too. The older you get, the more guilty you feel about it.
“My wife, Cathy, was the one who talked me out of the retreat last time, but she wouldn’t do it now.”
Ferguson retired two years later saying his wife needed his support after her sister died.
During his tenure, he won 38 major trophies, including 13 league titles and the Champions League twice.
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Sir Alex and Cathy taken in 1968 with their first son Mark Credits: Rex
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Cathy famously convinced him to stay in charge of the Red Devils in 2002. Credit: AFP
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Sir Alex and Cathy pictured with their twin sons Jason and Darren Credit: Getty
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Sir Alex poses with Cathy after receiving her CBE at Buckingham Palace Credit: Rex
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