By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON

One of the most successful managers in English football, Sir Alex Ferguson, has undergone an emergency surgery for a brain hemorrhage, his former club Manchester United said Saturday.

"The procedure has gone very well but he needs a period of intensive care to optimise his recovery,” the British club said.

Ferguson, who retired from active football in 2013 after managing Manchester United for 27 years, is 76 years old.

He started his career playing for Manchester United and moved to play for various clubs such as Wolves, Sparta Rotterdam, Wrexham and Peterborough.

He started his managing career after retiring as player and managed Peterborough and Preston North End.

Sir Alex Ferguson led Manchester United to win 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two Champions League championships during his 27- year-long management at Old Trafford.

Local reports said Ferguson was taken to Salford Royal Hospital for the emergency surgery.

“His family request privacy in this matter,” Manchester United said.