R.I.P. - Wife of Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson passes away aged 84

Lady Cathy Ferguson, the wife of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, has died.

The Ferguson family confirmed the news in a statement released to the PA news agency on Friday afternoon.

“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.”

MUFC statement: ‘Everyone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the passing of Lady Cathy, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career.’

Cathy Ferguson played a major role in the modern history of Manchester United when she woke her husband up from a nap in February 2002 and told him he was not retiring. Sir Alex Ferguson said the death of Cathy’s sister, Bridget, convinced him to retire in 2013.

The Scottish manager said she had always provided 'stability and encouragement' in his glittering career, as a player with Rangers and as a manager with Aberdeen, Scotland and Manchester United.

Flags will be lowered to half-mast at Old Trafford in tribute to Cathy Ferguson. United players will wear black armbands tomorrow against Brentford and the Women's team will wear black armbands vs Arsenal tonight.