Sir Alex Ferguson’s wife Cathy dies aged 84

Sir Alex and Lady Cathy had been married for more than five decades

In a statement on Friday, the family announced the passing of the Glaswegian mother-of-three and grandmother of 12, who had been married to Sir Alex for 57 years.

"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 statement read.

"The family asks for privacy at this time."

Manchester United said in their own statement that they send their "heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family."

The club described Lady Cathy as "a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career."

Following the announcement of Lady Cathy's passing, flags will be flown have been flown at half mast at Old Trafford.

Both the men's and women's Manchester United teams will also wear black armbands this weekend.

After meeting in 1964 whilst they were both working at a typewriter factory, the couple married in 1966.

Sir Alex has previously spoken openly about his love and reliance on his wife, describing her as his "bedrock" when he retired from football management in 2013.

Speaking at the time, he said: "My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me."

He also joked that she was in the only person in the world who he doesn't answer back to.

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