The 84-year-old, who managed United for 27 years between 1986 and 2013 and remains a regular presence at both home and away fixtures, had arrived at the ground as usual and was photographed with guests in the directors' box area approximately two hours before kick-off. Among those he spent time with was consultant cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra, who posted a photograph with Ferguson on social media and described the encounter as a privilege.
Ferguson was assessed by stadium medics in the tunnel area before being taken by ambulance to hospital. He was conscious throughout. Club officials were optimistic he would soon be well enough to return home.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick had been informed of the situation before kick-off and addressed it directly in his post-match press conference.
"I haven't got any update, so I don't know the latest as we stand now. I did hear about it before the game, so I was aware of it. All I can say is I wish him the best. I'm very affected by it, the news, and I just hope he's alright. I just don't know the latest, but we hope for him to be in good shape."
Carrick — whom Ferguson signed from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006 — then allowed himself a small moment of optimism on behalf of his former manager.
"Hopefully when he hears about the result, it will give him a good boost."
Supporters inside Old Trafford broke into chants of Ferguson's name during the game, and the crowd's reaction at Kobbie Mainoo's winning goal — which sealed Champions League qualification — was described by those in attendance as among the most emotional they had witnessed at the ground in years.
Ferguson suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2018 that required emergency surgery, from which he made a full recovery. His ambassadorial contract with the club was ended last year as part of INEOS's restructuring of United's costs, though he has continued to attend matches as a supporter. His wife Lady Cathy passed away in 2023 after 57 years of marriage.
No further update on his condition was provided before this report was filed.