Heartbreak for former Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson as wife Cathy dies aged 84

Sir Alex Ferguson's wife Cathy has sadly passed away aged 84.

The wife of the former Manchester United manager died on Thursday morning in Cheshire.

A statement on behalf of the Ferguson family said: "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 family asks for privacy at this time."

A statement from United said: "Everyone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the passing of Lady Cathy.

"Lady Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career."

Ferguson first met Cathy back in 1964 when he was just 23 years old, the pair then married two years later in 1996.

The pair have three children together, Mark, born in 1968 and twins Darren and Jason, born in 1972.

Darren is currently the manager of League One side Peterborough United having also managed the likes of Preston North End and Doncaster Rovers.

Speaking previously about his home life, Ferguson once said: “Cathy is fantastic with the kids. It's a military operation with her. If any of them misbehave, they're in the doghouse.” Ferguson has also revealed that he would have retired in 2002 if it wasn’t for Cathy.

Ferguson claimed Cathy said: “One, your health is good, Two, I'm not having you in the house. And three, you're too young anyway.”

Eventually, Ferguson called time on his illustrious career in 2013.

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Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Ferguson revealed he would have carried on if it wasn’t for the death of Cathy’s twin sister Briget.

As per the Mirror, he said: “I definitely would have carried on. I saw she [Cathy] was watching television one night, and she looked up at the ceiling. I knew she was isolated. Her and Bridget were twins, you know?”

After his final match at Old Trafford, Ferguson paid tribute to Cathy.

He told the crowd: “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.”

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