Sir Alex Ferguson is no longer in intensive care, it has been confirmed.

Manchester United released a statement saying: "Sir Alex no longer needs intensive care and will continue rehabilitation as an inpatient".

The club added: "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".

It was reported earlier today that the former Manchester United manager was showing promising early signs of recovery and was out of a coma, sitting up and talking to family and friends.

Read more: Sir Alex Ferguson 'out of coma and sitting up talking to family'

He 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

Well wishes from across the worlds of sport, politics and television have flooded in after news that the Govan-born manager needed the emergency surgery over the weekend.