Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson rushed to hospital following brain haemorrhage

The 76-year-old Scotsman, who managed Man United for 26 years, said to be in serious condition

1967 - Alex Ferguson signs for Glasgow Rangers. He stayed at the club until 1969. Allsport Hulton / Getty Images

1978 - 1986 - Enjoys a successful period as manager of Aberdeen, winning the league three times, the Scottish Cup four times, the European Cup Winners' Cup, and the European Super Cup. Seen here celebrating a 3-0 victory in the 1986 Scottish Cup final. Allsport UK

1986 - Appointed manager of Manchester United. Rusty Cheyne /Allsport / Getty Images

1990 - Wins the FA Cup with Manchester United. Seen here celebrating the victory over Crystal Palace with Bryan Robson at Wembley Stadium. Allsport UK

1993 - Manchester United are crowned Premier League Champions, their first league title since 1967. Allsport UK

1994 - Manchester United win the 'Double', the Premier League and FA Cup. Alex Ferguson is seen here with Brian Kidd celebrating their Premier League title win. Bob Collier / Reuters

1999 - Lifts the Champions League trophy to complete the treble of the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles. Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images

1999 - Knighted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth. Reuters

2002 - After announcing his retirement in 2001, Ferguson performs a u-turn and signs a new three year contract with the club. Ian Hodgson / Reuters

2008 - Lifts the Champions League trophy, his second European triumph. Adrian Dennis / AFP

2011 - Old Trafford's North Stand is renamed after him. Clive Brunskill / Getty Images

2013 - Manchester United draw 5 - 5 with West Bromwich Albion in Alex Ferguson's final game as manager. Michael Regan /Getty Images

2018 - Alex Ferguson is seen with Arsene Wenger after a presentation to mark the end of Wenger's tenure with Arsenal. Nigel Roddis / EPA

Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has been rushed to hospital after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

An ambulance was called to the 76-year-old Scotsman’s Cheshire home at 9am local time (noon UAE) on Saturday.

A statement from Manchester United read "Sir Alex Ferguson has undergone emergency surgery today for a brain haemorrhage.

"The procedure has gone very well but he needs a period of intensive care to optimise his recovery."

He was subsequently transferred to Salford Royal Hospital under police escort.

His son, Darren, current manager of League One side Doncaster Rovers, was absent from the club’s final game of the season against Wigan as the news broke.

A statement from Doncaster Rovers said "Rovers manager Darren Ferguson will not be at Saturday's game due to family reasons. Gavin Strachan will oversee the final game of the Sky Bet League One season in the manager's absence.

"Darren asks for privacy, and will provide an update through the club during the week."

The Scot spent 26 years as Manchester United manager, before retiring in 2013. During that time, he guided the club to 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles and five FA Cups.

As news of his condition spread, tributes began to pour in from legends of the game.

Manchester United player Michael Carrick tweeted "Absolutely devastated to hear about Sir Alex being unwell in hospital. All my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family." He added "Be strong Boss".

Whilst former England captain Gary Lineker tweeted "Very sorry to hear the news that Sir Alex Ferguson is seriously ill in hospital. Wish him all the very best."

Former Manchester United Striker Mark Hughes, who now manages Southampton told a post-match news conference "I only just got a little whisper earlier on. I was hoping it wasn't true. I wish him all the best."

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Former England manager Sam Allardyce said "It is tragic. I am going to find out how he is as soon as I possibly can. Obviously I knew it was extremely serious when I knew his son Darren didn't attend his own game at Doncaster today.

"I hope he is in good hands and I hope the operation is a major success because as a personal friend... I hope he has a full recovery."