SIR Alex Ferguson is showing promising early signs of recovery, is out of a coma and sitting up talking to family and friends.
British football's most successful manager was said to have responded positively to emergency surgery on a brain haemorrhage at Salford Royal Hospital, where he was admitted on Saturday.
Surgery went well and the 76-year-old's response to treatment has given encouragement and cautious optimism to those close to him, according to reports.
Read more: Well wishes for Sir Alex Ferguson after brain haemorrhage surgery
However, they recognise it will still be a slow road to full recovery as he continues to be assessed, and his prognosis may not be known for a number of weeks.
One expert, Dr Peter Hamlyn, said the football legend and father-of-three could make a full recovery but his progress will have to be monitored closely.
The senior neurosurgeon said in the immediate aftermath of the surgery Sir Alex had "everything to fight for" in the hope of making a full recovery.
Read more: Well wishes for Sir Alex Ferguson after brain haemorrhage surgery
Mr Hamlyn said: "The most common form of haemorrhage for a man of his age with a history of cardiovascular issues is intracerebral, in which there is bleeding within the brain tissue, causing irreparable damage to those cells.
"In Sir Alex's case his surgeons have decided to operate, almost certainly because they felt the size of the blood clot was causing damage to the remaining brain tissue.
"This is often life-saving surgery and aims to reduce any long-term disability Sir Alex might suffer with this form of stroke. For the first few days after the operation the focus is on the patient's life support.
He said: "A prognosis is very hard to give in the first days and often for some weeks."
News of Ferguson's condition has rocked the football world, which has rallied to support the Manchester United statesman who won an unprecedented 38 trophies during 26 years at Old Trafford before retiring in 2013.
Read more: Well wishes for Sir Alex Ferguson after brain haemorrhage surgery
Players at United pledged to win the FA Cup for Sir Alex as well-wishers from across the sport continued to offer their support.
The club's stars said they were "overwhelmed" by the legend's plight.
Juan Mata said the news of Sir Alex's emergency surgery had had a huge impact on everyone at the club.
The Spanish midfielder, 30, said all the current players knew of the former manager's "winning mentality" and planned to honour it by beating Chelsea later this month.
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