The Glasgow-born football legend suffered the life-threatening brain bleed in 2018 and underwent emergency surgery.

Now 84, the former Manchester United manager has reflected on the ordeal in his new memoir, Games of My Life, which looks back at 21 matches with particular personal significance.

Among them is Manchester United's clash with Wolves on September 22, 2018, when Sir Alex made an emotional return to Old Trafford just four months after undergoing brain surgery.

He was accompanied to the game by members of the medical team who had helped care for him, including neurosurgeon Alexandru Cotici.

Sir Alex paid tribute to the dedication of NHS workers, saying: "It is that sort of commitment from doctors, nurses and hospital staff all over the United Kingdom that helps millions of people a year. Without them, I wouldn’t be writing these words."

The legendary manager also credits his late wife Cathy, who died in 2023, with helping save his life after hearing him collapse at home.

He was initially taken to Macclesfield Hospital before being transferred to Salford Royal for specialist treatment.

Reflecting on how crucial her presence had been, Sir Alex wrote: "If she hadn’t been there, the referee in the sky might have blown the final whistle for me."

He did not regain consciousness until the following day.

The Glasgow-born footballing great later learned just how serious his condition had been.

He revealed: "On the day they operated on me at Salford Royal, four other patients had surgery for the same complaint. Only two of us lived to tell the tale."

His eventual return to Old Trafford proved to be one of the most emotional moments of his recovery.

Sir Alex said: "It was one of the most memorable days of my life.

"As well as being able to thank all the people who saved my life, the reception I received from those in the crowd that day meant more to me than anything.

"I was greeted as if I had returned from the dead, which, in a way, was true."

Born in Govan, Sir Alex went on to become one of football's most successful managers.

He left Aberdeen to take charge of Manchester United in November 1986 and remained at Old Trafford until his retirement in 2013.

During his remarkable spell in charge, United won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies among a host of other honours.

His new memoir revisits defining matches from throughout his life and career, including the first game he attended following the health scare which nearly claimed his life.