United stars rally round Sir Alex at Cathy Ferguson funeral
A cast of United heroes attended the funeral of Sir Alex Ferguson's wife, Cathy, in Glasgow on Monday (16 October).
Lady Cathy, who married Sir Alex in 1966, passed away earlier this month at the age of 84.
Friends and family headed to St Andrew’s Cathedral to pay their respects, as did many legendary United players who made key contributions to the Ferguson era.
Former club captains Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, Gary Neville and Michael Carrick were among the congregation, as were David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ji-sung Park and our current technical director, Darren Fletcher.
United saddened by death of Lady Cathy
ArticleEveryone at the club sends heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family.
Sir Alex's one-time assistant Archie Knox was also present, as was Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, a longtime friend and rival.
The display of support was a reflection of just how vital Lady Cathy's support was to one of the greatest managerial careers in football history.
A strong United showing was also evidence of the unbreakable bond shared by those who have represented our club.
The display of support was a reflection of just how vital Lady Cathy's support was to one of the greatest managerial careers in football history.
A strong United showing was also evidence of the unbreakable bond shared by those who have represented our club.
In his first official autobiography, Managing My Life, Sir Alex indicated just how critical Cathy had been to his successes.
“My wife Cathy is the mainstay of our family,” he wrote. “It is she who has carried the main burden of bringing up our three sons, Mark, Jason and Darren. This is more than I could have asked for and they have turned out to be fantastic sons and fantastic people. We have all got to thank her for being such a great wife and mother.
“It has always been Cathy's way to stay in the background, but now it is time for her to accept some limelight. I gratefully acknowledge her role in any success I have had. Without her down-to-earth attitude to life and her unstinting support none of it would have been possible.”
“It has always been Cathy's way to stay in the background, but now it is time for her to accept some limelight. I gratefully acknowledge her role in any success I have had. Without her down-to-earth attitude to life and her unstinting support none of it would have been possible.”
Ahead of the 2001/02 season, Sir Alex announced his intention to resign at the end of the campaign, only for Cathy to encourage him to renege on the decision.
United would win a further six Premier League titles, and another Champions League, before the Scot eventually called it a day in 2013.
That final decision to bring an end to his 26-year tenure was also heavily linked to Cathy. Sir Alex later told The Telegraph that he felt his wife had become somewhat “isolated” following the death of her twin sister, Bridget.
These stories had massive implications for the history of Manchester United but, more importantly, show just how integral Cathy has been to the life and career of arguably our greatest manager.
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