Sir Alex Ferguson is out of intensive care and Manchester United are confident he will make a full recovery from the brain haemorrhage he suffered at the weekend.
The club tweeted on Wednesday night to say the 76-year-old former manager, who has been treated at Salford Royal Hospital, will continue his rehabilitation as an inpatient.
‘Sir Alex no longer needs intensive care,’ the statement read.
‘His family have been overwhelmed by the level of support and good wishes but continue to request privacy as this will be vital during this next stage of recovery.’
United manager Jose Mourinho had earlier suggested Ferguson would make a full recovery.
Speaking before his side's trip to London ahead of their game against West Ham on Thursday, Mourinho insisted he is keen to respect the Ferguson family's request for privacy as the 76-year-old recuperates in a Manchester hospital.
But he believes news that the Scot is conscious and talking – and even said to be discussing the latest football results – will lift his players in the final three games of the season. United face West Ham and Watford in their final two Premier league games, and Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
'I can only think that if there is any relation it is a positive relation,' said Mourinho.
Asked if the situation had left a cloud over the club, he added: 'We are positive – very, very positive. We are confident.
'It's private. His family ask for privacy and that's what I'm going to respect.'
Ferguson suffered a fall at his Cheshire home as a result of the brain haemorrhage on Saturday, May 5, and was quickly taken via an ambulance to Macclesfield district hospital.
The Scotsman was subsequently transferred, with a police escort, to be treated at the Salford Royal where he underwent surgery.
Messages of well wishing soon began pouring in from the football world and wider afield.
A series of the current Manchester United players instantly sent their best wishes to the former boss, while Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany urged for the Scotsman to pull through, writing: 'Hang in there Sir Alex, thoughts are with the family and close ones.'
His son, Doncaster manager Darren Ferguson missed out on his side's final fixture of the League One campaign on Saturday due to a 'severe family issue.'
Ferguson is best known for the dynasty of success he created at United over the course of 27 trophy-laden years, the likes of which surpassed anything seen before in the English game.
Moulding a succession of outstanding teams, United won the Champions League twice, 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and the European Cup Winners' Cup during his time there between 1986 and 2013.
-Daily Mail