Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly awake and talking to his family and friends following his emergency surgery for a brain haemorrhage.

The former Manchester United manager was rushed to hospital on Saturday to undergo the procedure, and has since been recovering in intensive care.

However, the Daily Mail reports that Ferguson is now able to sit up and hold a conversation in his hospital bed, with his progress so far understood to have pleased doctors at Salford Royal Hospital.

Ferguson is still expected to face a long road to recovery, but doctors remain hopeful that he is on the right track after undergoing successful surgery.

The 76-year-old is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in football history, having won 38 trophies during a 26-year reign as United boss, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues.