With a heavy heart, it has been announced that Lady Cathy Ferguson, wife of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, passed away at the age of 84, by the side of her family in Cheshire. On the afternoon of October 6, the Ferguson family released a statement announcing the death of their beloved Lady Cathy.
The Ferguson family made an emotional statement, saying, “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”.
Lady Cathy and Sir Alex met in 1964 and got married two years later. They had a long, beautiful marriage of 57 years and three lovely sons: Mark, born in 1968, and twins Jason and Darren, born in 1972. The cause of Lady Cathy’s death hasn’t been revealed yet, as the family asked for privacy in this tough time.
Manchester United also released a statement, writing “Everyone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt 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 tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career”.
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.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 6, 2023
Lady Cathy has been the greatest supporter of Sir Alex; she had a major influence on his career. In fact, she was the reason he quit Manchester United. After the passing away of Lady Cathy’s twin sister Bridget Robertson in 2012, circumstances shaped in such a way that eventually influenced Sir Alex to announce his retirement in 2013.
Why did Sir Alex Ferguson quit Manchester United in 2013?
Sir Alex Ferguson quit Manchester United after announcing his retirement in 2013, at the end of the Premier League campaign. Since 1986, the 71-year-old has been in charge at Old Trafford. Throughout his time, he brought great success to the team, including winning two Champions League titles, five FA Cup wins, four League Cups, and 13 Premier League wins.
Sir Alex Ferguson retires. #thankyousiralex
— MU Spokesperson (@MU_Spokesperson) May 8, 2013
However, before this, he had performed a U-turn from his retirement twice. First, in 1998-99, Sir Alex gave his resignation after a heated argument with the then-chairman of the United, Martin Edward, but eventually, he made a U-turn.
Then again in 2001, after another disagreement with the club’s board, he announced his intent to retire at the end of the contract. However, he once again made a U-turn and chose to stay with the club as the United manager.
😔 On this day, in 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson said his final farewell to Old Trafford:
13 Premier League
10 Community Shield
5 FA Cup
4 League Cup
2 Champions League
1 Super Cup
1 Cup Winners Cup
1 Inter Continental Cup
1 Club World CupThe Greatest Ever.pic.twitter.com/7osABvjHI2
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) May 12, 2023
Sir Alex joined Old Trafford, succeeding Ron Atkinson in 1986, from Aberdeen. During his early days, he struggled a lot to gain success. It wasn’t until 1994 that he won his first league and FA Cup double. Later in 1999, Ferguson made a remarkable treble in the Championship League, FA Cup, and Premier League.
Leading to 2011, Sir Alex broke the legendary record of 18 league titles by Liverpool, after winning his 19th. Before retiring, he won his 20th title and finally stepped down from United.