Manchester United captain Michael Carrick has claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson's wide-reaching influence has been reflected in the messages of goodwill sent his way from all over the world.

The former Red Devils boss remains in intensive care after being admitted to hospital for emergency surgery on a brain haemorrhage.

Support has flooded in from both football figures and those outside the game, and Carrick believes that the messages of goodwill are testament to Ferguson's pedigree and status as an individual.

"It just shows you the mark of the man and the respect he had," Carrick told MUTV.

"The whole football world is incredible but outside of that as well, from all corners of the globe and different walks of life, people have shown their support.

"That's the effect he had on people. It was the effect he had on everyone. He means a lot to me, as he does to this club.

"We were all praying for him and thinking of him, Cathy and the family. It's a tough time for everyone but I'm thinking positive and hoping he will pull through."

Ferguson won an unprecedented 38 trophies during 26 fruitful years at Old Trafford before retiring in 2013.