Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has wished former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson a speedy recovery after he underwent emergency surgery for a brain haemorrhage on Saturday.

The football world was shocked when news emerged that the legendary former boss had been rushed to hospital yesterday, and he remains in intensive care following a successful operation.

Conte is the latest in a long line of people to offer his best wishes to the 76-year-old, hailing the Scot as a "special person".

"I am very sad. He is a special person. He is not a normal person, or just a manager who has won a lot of titles in his career. I appreciate the man," he told reporters at his post-match press conference.

"This news changed my [mood] in a bad way, but we hope to see him quickly. Our best wishes to recover very soon. It is very difficult, but we want to stay close to his family."

Ferguson was in charge of United for 26 years, during which time he led the club to 38 trophies including 13 Premier League titles.