United '˜very positive' about Sir Alex Ferguson says Mourinho

Manchester United's manager Jose Mourinho says the club are very positive about Sir Alex Ferguson's health. Picture: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images

The 76-year-old former United boss continues his recovery in intensive care in a Salford hospital after the surgery on Saturday.

Former United midfielder Ryan Giggs accepts Ferguson’s rehabilitation is probably “not going to be easy,” but feels the strength of character from his old manager will prove key.

Mourinho was holding a press conference ahead of Thursday’s Premier League match at West Ham United, when he was asked about the former United manager, who won 38 trophies during his Old Trafford tenure.

“His family asked for privacy and that is what I am going to respect,” Mourinho said. “But [as a club] we are positive. We are very, very positive. We are confident.”

Asked if it would influence the mood of the players or United coaching staff going into the match at the London Stadium, Mourinho replied: “No, I can only think that if there is any relation, it is a positive relation.”

Gestures of support continue for the Scot, who retired in 2013 having guided United to some 13 Premier League titles as well as five FA Cups and the Champions League twice.

Wales manager Giggs was brought into the United first-team by Ferguson as talented 17-year-old in 1991 and developed to become a key player in a squad which would go on to complete a famous Treble when lifting the European Cup trophy in 1999.

Giggs, who eventually left Old Trafford in July 2016, echoed the sentiments of former players under Ferugson, whom he felt now brings football together in support for his recovery.

“You’ve seen the response, not just from within football but from people all around the world. It shows how much he means to people. I’m not surprised,” said Giggs, speaking at the launch of the FAW and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards.

“No matter who you support you’ve got to recognise what he’s done for the game. Like everyone I was shocked to hear the news, I was with him just a couple of weeks ago at a dinner.

“I know him better than most and I’m wishing him a speedy recovery. Hopefully he recovers fully and wishes go to Cathy and the family.”

Giggs, appointed Wales manager in January, believes Ferguson’s strength of character will help him through the recovery process.

“It’s not going to be easy, but he’s a strong person. I’ve seen that close at hand, ever since I met him at 13 years old,” said Giggs.

“He’s had a huge influence on not just my career, but my life. Wishes and prayers to him and I hope he makes a full recovery.”

Eric Cantona joined the words of support for the recovery for his former manager, appearing in a short video clip on posted on Twitter declaring: “It’s Fergie time and you will win. You always do.”

Former France striker Cantona proved a pivotal signing when Ferguson bought him from Leeds for £1.2 million in late November 1992 as United went on to win the inaugural Premier League title.

“This friend of mine, he is not doing too well,” Cantona said in a video on Eurosport’s official Twitter feed captioned: The Commissioner of Football. “He is like a mentor to me, he nurtured me, he never judged me. He is such a fighter, he will pull through.”