Manchester United defender Phil Jones has expressed hope that 'father figure' Sir Alex Ferguson can successfully recover from a brain haemorrhage.

The legendary Red Devils boss, who signed Jones from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, is currently in intensive care after undergoing emergency surgery at the weekend.

Countless current and former pros have offered their best wishes to Ferguson, who it is hoped can still make a full recovery, with Jones the latest to do so by admitting that he owes a lot to the Scotsman.

"He's taken me under his wing like a father and it was shocking," he is quoted as saying by The Telegraph. "It's sad, but I know his character and I know he has that fight in him.

"He is such a legend in my eyes. He is the one who brought me to the club and gave me that opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"He has got all his family and friends around him, the support from all the players and staff at Manchester United and football around the world. When something like that does happen it's nice that the football world comes together and shows support and we are all rooting for him."

Ferguson won 38 trophies at Old Trafford before stepping aside in 2011 after nearly 27 years in the job.