Liverpool have passed on their well wishes to former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson following emergency surgery after he suffered a brain haemorrhage.
United confirmed on Saturday that the 76-year-old was in intensive care following an operation but added that things had gone “very well”.
Nevertheless, there remain concerns for the veteran Scot’s wellbeing, with positive messages of support having come from all corners of the footballing world.
The Red Devils’ great rivals, Liverpool, are among those to have paid tribute to the two-time Champions League winner and wish him well in his fight to regain his health.
In a statement posted on the club website, they said: “The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Sir Alex Ferguson and his family following the news that the former Manchester United manager is ill in hospital.
“A great rival but also a great friend who supported this club during its most difficult time, it is hoped that Sir Alex will make a full recovery.
“In the meantime, the club will offer its full support to Manchester United and also his family.”
Liverpool hold Ferguson in high esteem for his demeanour in the aftermath of the Hillsborough tragedy.
Kenny Dalglish revealed to the Daily Mirror in 2012: “When the Hillsborough disaster happened back in 1989, Sir Alex Ferguson was straight on the phone to offer his help in any way he could.
“People out there have different opinions about him. Some love him, some hate him, but when something terrible happens, like Hillsborough, Alex is one of the first asking what he can do.
“So although there is an intense rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool, it would never prevent Alex from offering his assistance, which is exactly what he did back then.”
As a manager, Ferguson faced off against Liverpool on 64 occasions, winning 29 of those matches and losing a further 21, though two of those losses came while he was still in charge at Aberdeen.