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The Manchester United community is deeply saddened by the passing of Lady Cathy Ferguson. Her influence and support extended far beyond the sidelines as she played a pivotal role in the club’s history. People around the soccer sphere are sharing their condolences with her husband, Sir Alex Ferguson. Manchester United’s former captain turned around the game for the Red Devils in the dying minutes. After scoring their late winner, the defender dedicated it to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Manchester United ended their game against Brentford in a dramatic fashion as they won the day 2-1 at Old Trafford. However, Erik ten Hag’s side still lacks defensive prowess and it was the out-of-favor United academy player who saved the day for the Red Devils.

Former United captain dedicates late winner to Sir Alex Ferguson and family

Lady Cathy and Sir Alex Ferguson shared a unique and enduring bond. In 2002, she persuaded Sir Alex Ferguson not to retire, a decision that led to eleven more remarkable years of his managerial career. The United players stood strong with Sir Alex. After their dramatic win against Brentford, defender and former club captain, Harry Maguire had a few words to say to a mourning Sir Alex.

 

Maguire made a 90+6 minute assist which Scott McTominay converted into a goal leading the Manchester side to a late win. Maguire later took to social media as he wrote, “This was for the Ferguson family… ‘Fergie time’ . Thinking of you boss and your family. Rest in peace, Cathy.”

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The late assist from Harry Maguire came as a shock to the fans. The player has been facing constant scrutiny for his bad performances in the previous matches. A third-choice defender for ten Hag, Maguire started for an injured Lisandro Martinez. The club now sits at the 10th position in the table.

 

Lady Cathy’s insistence allowed Ferguson to continue managing Manchester United and go on to win an additional six Premier League titles, having already won seven, and a Champions League trophy. Most importantly, he got to mentor a young Cristiano Ronaldo. Many know how ‘CR7’ went to United in 2003 from Sporting Lisbon. In those years, Ferguson protected the young player. He helped Ronaldo hone his craft.

Soccer world pays respect to the woman behind Sir Alex Ferguson’s success

Soccer fans around the world shared their condolences on social media platforms. ‘X’ became a platform for fans to express their grief and reflect on the impact Lady Cathy had on the sport and those who admired her husband.

 

One fan even acknowledged the role she played in his life. In fact, when he suffered a stroke following his retirement in 2013, he nursed him back to health. She even supported her husband in 2018, after he survived a life-threatening brain haemorrhage.

Ferguson equally cared for her. In 2013, Lady Cathy’s twin sister, Bridget Roberson, passed away. Cathy was lonely and isolated at that time. She had already talked Ferguson out of retiring once, but this time, she needed him. She did not object to his retirement in 2013.

 

Rival side Manchester City also joined in to pay their condolences.

 

In relation to Lady Cathy, one fan even mentioned how there’s always a woman behind a successful man. Ferguson wouldn’t deny this. In the documentary titled ‘Sir Alex Ferguson: Never give in’, he dedicated his career to his wife.

He first met Cathy at the factory where they worked. He was only 22 and a common friend had introduced them. At that time, Ferguson had a plaster on his face due to a soccer injury. A young Cathy thought Ferguson was a gangster or a boxer!

 

The couple got married in 1966. She used to go to work and Ferguson would go for soccer practice. His playing career ended in 1974 and he turned to become a manager.

Flags at Old Trafford have been lowered to half-mast as a sign of respect. The men’s and women’s teams will wear black armbands in their fixtures this weekend.
As the soccer world mourns the loss of Lady Cathy, she will forever be remembered. Her unwavering belief in Sir Alex and her profound influence on his career will be etched into the annals of soccer history.