08 October 2023 , 12:15
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David Beckham has hailed the “incredible” Cathy Ferguson and offered support to Sir Alex following her sad death.
News of her passing was confirmed on Friday at the age of 84. A statement from the Ferguson family read: "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."
Since then, a number of touching tributes have been offered from all corners of the footballing world. An array of Manchester United icons have been among those to offer kind messages, with Beckham becoming the latest.
Talking to Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix, the Red Devils’ academy graduate said: “Obviously deepest sympathies go to the boss because to have Cathy by his side for a long, long time, got many, many years to be the strength that he needed through his career and through his life, it’s a really sad time for him and his family and the grandkids, so we obviously send our love to him.
“She was an incredible person and someone… We looked up to the boss, we also looked up to Cathy, so it’s a really sad time for him.” Lady Cathy and Ferguson met in 1964 and were married two years later. She previously talked him out of retirement back in 2002.
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Man United also paid tribute to Cathy following the news. A club statement 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.”
David Beckham has offered his sympathies to former boss Sir Alex Ferguson (Getty Images)Send your messages of support for Sir Alex Ferguson in the comments below
Players then wore black armbands during Saturday’s late victory over Brentford at Old Trafford. Flags at the stadium were also flown at half-mast. Scott McTominay scored twice in stoppage time following Mathias Jensen’s opener. Man United’s women’s team also followed suit with black armbands during their Women’s Super League showdown with Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village.
Another of Man United’s legendary number sevens also paid tribute after Lady Cathy’s death. Taking to Instagram, former French international Eric Cantona wrote: “Rest in peace dear Lady Cathy. My strongest friendship goes to her family.”
Elsewhere, another of Sir Alex’s former clubs Aberdeen also had some kind words. They said: "Everyone at Aberdeen FC sends their deepest condolences to Sir Alex and the Ferguson family at this very sad time."