Lady Cathy Ferguson, the wife of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, has died.

The Ferguson family confirmed the news in a statement released to the PA news agency on Friday afternoon.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing yesterday of Lady Cathy Ferguson, survived by her husband, three sons, two sisters, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild,” the statement read.

Sir Alex Ferguson pictured with his wife Cathy, right, at Manchester United's Europa League match against Real Sociedad in September last year

“The family asks for privacy at this time.”