MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sir Alex Ferguson has praised the NHS for getting the recognition they deserve just two years after they saved his life.
The football world was left praying for a miracle when the former manager was rushed to hospital after suffering a seizure.
The 78-year-old needed life-saving surgery following a brain haemorrhage and was in a critical condition.
He was in Royal Salford Hospital for a month, including time spent in an induced coma, before he was discharged to be nursed back to full health by his loved ones.
His praise for NHS workers who are battling the coronavirus comes as United have announced measures to support the NHS during the pandemic.
Fergie told the club website: “I’m delighted we are now recognising the importance of our NHS as I experienced two years ago after they saved my life.
“The response to this pandemic has been magnificent and has made me proud of the way the club and the British people have rallied round to help. Well Done.”
Having delivered more than 3,500 gifts to NHS staff in the area on Wednesday, the Manchester United Foundation’s 16-vehicle fleet has been put on standby with volunteer drivers available to support courier.
The Foundation is continuing to work with the children of key workers and United have donated medical equipment and consumables to the Salford Royal.
Staff, particularly those with a reduced workload, are being encouraged to volunteer for the NHS or in their local communities, while Old Trafford has been placed on a reserve list as a possible temporary blood donation centre.
Sir Alex’s praise for health workers was echoed by current United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian, who played under Ferguson and still affectionately calls him “the gaffer”, added: “The NHS staff and the volunteers fighting the virus are putting themselves at risk to keep everybody safe and doing a truly amazing job.
“They deserve thanks and praise from everybody for their work and their efforts every single day.”
The UK suffered it’s most deadly day on Wednesday– recording 938 new deaths in just 24 hours.
There have now been over 7,000 deaths and more than 60,000 confirmed cases.
The Government, whose leader PM Boris Johnson is still in hospital with the virus, are preparing to extend lockdown restrictions until May after admitting easing measures could result in thousands more deaths.
