Ferguson 'banned' by doctors from watching games in person

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When Manchester United claimed a big 4-1 win against Fulham at Old Trafford on December 8, the club's legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson was missing from the stands. It turned out that Ferguson was banned by his doctors from watching games in person, reported The Sun on Thursday.

According to paper, the doctors first saw Ferguson on TV watching a game at the stadium and then learned that the 76-year-old had done so three times in nine days, including an away game against Southampton. The doctors worried that this might be a too heavy burden on his health and suggested that he stop watching games in person so often.

Sir Alex Ferguson watching the game between Manchester United and Wolves at Old Trafford in his first appearance at the club's home stadium after surgery. /VCG Photo

Having coached United for 27 years, Ferguson was often found watching the club's games even after he retired in 2013. In May, he suffered a brain hemorrhage and was immediately hospitalized. In July, for the first time after surgery, Ferguson expressed his gratitude for fans' concern and then appeared at Old Trafford for the game against Wolves in September.

Though the former boss of United said he's in good health, he chose to listen to the doctors' advice and thus missed the 4-1 win over Fulham.

Ferguson holds the Premier League trophy, one of the 37 titles he won with Manchester United. /VCG Photo

The irony was that the previous three games Ferguson watched in nine days were not "heart-healthy" enough. First on November 27, United defeated BSC Young Boys 1-0 thanks to a game-winning goal by Marouane Fellaini in the 91st minute. Then on December 1, the Red Devils drew 2-2 draw with Southampton. On December 5, they came from behind twice in a 2-2 home result against Arsenal.

Each of the three games was either too close or two disappointing and certainly not the best choices for a 76-year-old man who just had surgeries for a brain hemorrhage. Currently, United rank only No.6 in Premier League and are eight points away from a UEFA Champions League spot.