Sir Alex Ferguson's wife thought Man Utd icon was 'gangster' when they first met

06 October 2023 , 18:00

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Alex and Cathy Ferguson were married in 1966

Sir Alex Ferguson's wife, Cathy, thought he was a "thug" when the couple first met back in 1964 - but love quickly came after first sight.

The Manchester United legend married his beloved Cathy - formerly Holding - 57 years ago. On Friday, it was confirmed that she'd died aged 84 in Cheshire.

"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," a statement read. "The family asks for privacy at this time."

Ferguson, now 81, met the woman who'd become his wife while they were both working at the Remington Rand typewriter factory in Hillington, Glasgow. Back then, he was an apprentice toolmaker at the factory while playing part-time football for Scottish side St Johnstone.

"I was 22. I had this friend and she said to me 'There's a really nice girl that's just started'," Ferguson recalled in his 2021 documentary, Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In. "I had suffered an injury at football and I had a plaster on my face. She thought I was either a gangster or a boxer. We got really close and I really loved her."

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Cathy indeed presumed that he'd had been involved some sort scrap, saying: "I just saw him walking through and I thought he was a thug. Then I found out he was a footballer and that didn't make him any different to me."

She also spoke of the future football icon's clumsy efforts woo her on their first date. "He bought me a box of Liquorice Allsorts at the movies, of which he ate all of them, and a local paper when we came out," Cathy revealed. "That was my romantic day. We got married in Glasgow registry office in 1966 and that was the start. I went to my work and he went to his football."

Cathy Holding married Alex Ferguson in 1966

Ferguson is indebted to Cathy for raising their three children, Darren, Jason and Mark, during his playing and managerial career. She was the reason behind his decision to retire in 2013, having convinced him to stay on as United boss 10 years prior.

Speaking to the Telegraph in 2015, Ferguson explained that after Cathy's twin sister, Bridget, passed away in October 2012, she was left feeling "isolated." He affirmed: "I definitely would have carried on. I saw she was watching television one night, and she looked up at the ceiling. I knew she was isolated. Her and Bridget were twins, you know?"

Ferguson went on to say: "When I told her this time I was going to retire she had no objection whatsoever. I knew she wanted me to do it."

Sir Alex Ferguson relied on Cathy to raise their three children (SSPL/Getty Images)

A statement from United in reaction to her passing read: "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."

Paying tribute, United have lowered flags to half-mast at Old Trafford. The club's men will wear black armbands when they host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday and their women's team will also wear them when they welcome Arsenal on Friday evening.

Nathan Ridley