A wave of sympathy and support swept from the north-east to Salford all weekend as news of Sir Alex Ferguson’s illness rocked the world of football and beyond.
The 76-year-old was rushed into hospital for emergency surgery at the weekend after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
While the operation went “very well,” the Scot remains in intensive care in Salford Royal Hospital while he recovers.
Well wishes were led by some of the Gothenburg Greats – members of the team he led to European Cup Winners’ Cup glory in 1983.
The 35th anniversary of that triumph will be marked on Friday, with Sir Alex at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
Willie Miller, who captained the side on the night, said: “What a shock it was to hear the news about my old boss.
“We can only hope his winning ways of the past sees him through this challenge.
“My thoughts are with him, (his wife of 52 years) Cathy and the boys at this trying time.”
The sentiments were echoed by Miller’s teammate Mark McGhee, who later went on to manage the club himself in 2009-10.
He said: “You always think of somebody like him being indestructible.
“He is not the type of person that you expect anything to go wrong. That is not the reality.
“He is human, albeit he might be superhuman.
“When I woke up on Sunday morning, the first thing I wanted to hear was that he was recovering.
“We are all just hoping that he will be fine.”
He added that the Dons are still striving to reach the same successes that Sir Alex achieved.
“He set standards that everyone has to aspire to,” he said.
Aberdeen FC chairman Stewart Milne said he shared everyone’s shock at the news.
“Along with everyone at the club I wish Sir Alex a speedy and full recovery, our thoughts and prayers are with him, Cathy and the family at this difficult time.
“The outpouring of support for Sir Alex and the family demonstrates the fondness and esteem he is held in throughout the world.”
Aberdeen-born Denis Law had met for a catch-up with his close friend just last week.
Mr Law said the news of his friend’s health had come as a “shock”.
“I saw him last week and he was terrific, although he always looked good anyway,” he said.
“Let’s hope everything is OK with him because I’d hate to think otherwise.”
Former Aberdeen forward Frank McDougall, who played under Alex Ferguson at Pittodrie, said: “The man is a genius, a legend, and I hope he recovers.
“If anyone can pull through from something like this it is him.”
It was not just the world of football who wanted to give their best wishes.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson were among those speaking out on Twitter and Aberdeen Lord Provost Barney Crockett said his “thoughts and prayers” were with the “legendary manager and freeman of the city”.
Longtime friend and television presenter Eamonn Holmes wrote online: “Praying for The Boss that he makes a full recovery from his brain haemorrhage. So much part of my life personally and professionally for over 30 years. An amazing man and friend.”
Aberdeen hotelier Stewart Spence struck up a friendship with Sir Alex when he first joined the Dons’ management team.
Last night he said: “I couldn’t believe the news. I was in total shock as you never think of a man like him ever being ill.”
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