News of Sir Alex Ferguson's health issue surfaced, and the team's victory was suddenly relegated to the background.
Manchester United defeated Liverpool 3-2 in the 35th round of the 2025-2026 Premier League at Old Trafford in Manchester on the 3rd at 11:30 p.m. It was a valuable win against their rival. Mateus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško scored consecutive goals to finish the first half 2-0, and although they wavered after conceding an equalizer early in the second half, Kobbie Mainoo scored the winning goal to secure three points.
With this victory, Man United secured qualification for next season's Champions League. It was clearly a meaningful achievement for a team that has experienced poor form and turmoil in recent years. In particular, it deserved greater applause because under manager Michael Carrick the team regained stability and produced results.
But the mood after the match was different from expected. Reports said Sir Alex Ferguson complained of a health problem during the match, received emergency treatment from the club medical staff and was taken to a hospital. Sir Alex arrived at Old Trafford about an hour before kickoff but was later reported to have felt unwell. The news quickly spread inside and outside the stadium, and the major good news of United's return to the Champions League was suddenly swallowed by a heavy silence.
Above all, Carrick was deeply shocked. He is a figure who played under Sir Alex and shared Manchester United's golden era as a player. It was not simply a former coach-and-protege relationship. To Carrick, Sir Alex was the mentor at the center of his playing career and the very symbol of the team called Manchester United.
Carrick said at the postmatch news conference, "I haven't received any news yet, so I don't know his current condition. I heard about it before the match, and it affected me a lot. I just hope he's okay. I hope he is in good condition and that everything goes well."
His words were calm, but he could not hide his emotions. Even though it came immediately after the major achievement of the Liverpool victory and securing Champions League qualification, Carrick's expression was not bright. He chose his words carefully throughout the answers, and worry showed more strongly than joy.
Sir Alex Ferguson is a name that can never be erased from Manchester United's history. He made Manchester United a top club in Europe beyond England and symbolizes the identity of Old Trafford. The mere fact that he complained of a health problem at the stadium was a great shock to United's members and fans.
Fortunately, the hospital transfer was reported to have been done as a precaution. Club officials expect Sir Alex to recover and return home. But for United that day, while the return to the Champions League and the Liverpool win were important, the first thing that came to mind was Ferguson's health.
[OSEN]