Sir Alex Ferguson on the Mend After Illness

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson missed the League Managers’ Association annual awards due to illness but is currently recovering after hospital treatment. His absence was noted during the ceremony where Frank Lampard was named Manager of the Year, highlighting Ferguson’s continued influence and the football community's well wishes for his recovery.

Sir Alex Ferguson is recovering following an illness that prevented him from attending the League Managers’ Association (LMA) annual awards ceremony. The 84-year-old former Manchester United manager fell ill ahead of the club’s Premier League match against Liverpool at Old Trafford on May 3 and was subsequently treated in hospital as a precautionary measure.

While Ferguson was unable to attend Tuesday’s ceremony, he sent a letter congratulating Frank Lampard, who was named Manager of the Year after leading Coventry City to the Championship title. England national team manager Thomas Tuchel, who presented the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy on Ferguson’s behalf, expressed well wishes for the legendary coach’s swift recovery. “It is not the same without Sir Alex himself, and we wish him all the best and a speedy recovery so that he is hopefully with us next year,” Tuchel said.

Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta was honoured as Premier League Manager of the Year, emerging victorious over fellow nominees Michael Carrick and former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. The shortlist for this category also included Andoni Iraola, Keith Andrews, and Regis Le Bris.

Richard Bevan, chief executive of the LMA, confirmed Ferguson’s improving condition but did not disclose further details regarding his illness. The event proceeded without the presence of the iconic manager, whose impact on English football remains widely celebrated.