Ferguson misses LMA Awards after health scare, with Tuchel stepping in to honour Lampard

Sir Alex Ferguson missed the LMA Awards ceremony this week after a health scare forced the 84-year-old Manchester United icon to withdraw from the event, where he had been due to present the award that bears his name.

England manager Thomas Tuchel stepped in to present the LMA Manager of the Year award to Coventry City head coach Frank Lampard, who earned the honour after guiding the Sky Blues back to the Premier League. Tuchel read a personal letter from Ferguson to the audience before handing over the trophy.

“It is of course not the same without Sir Alex himself and we wish him all the best and a speedy recovery so that he is hopefully with us next year on stage again,” Tuchel said. “Until then I have the privilege to read this letter to you, Frank.”

In the letter, Ferguson wrote: “Dear Frank, many congratulations on being named LMA Manager of the Year. You should be very proud of what you and your team have accomplished. Your personality as a manager and a leader is so clearly defined in how your team has played great football this season — with confidence and self-belief — and I have enjoyed watching you.”

Ferguson added: “I know from speaking with you that you have great humility and that important quality of a curious mind for learning. I’m sure winning this award will mean a great deal to you, Frank, and I wish you the best of luck in the Premier League next season.”

Ferguson’s health scare occurred earlier this month, shortly before he had been expected to attend Manchester United’s match against Liverpool. He was taken to hospital by ambulance, though the move was described as precautionary.

Former United striker Michael Owen, who spoke to Ferguson on the morning of the incident, offered reassurance about the Scot’s condition. “I spoke to him — I was on the phone to him for 40 minutes that morning. We’re talking about football, we’re talking about horses,” Owen said. “He sounded absolutely brilliant, sharp as a tack as normal. It was such a shock to hear that the next day he was taken unwell, but hopefully it’s not too serious.”