Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital from Old Trafford after feeling unwell before Manchester United’s hosting of Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The move was believed to be a precautionary, and the Guardian has been told the 84-year-old is out of harm’s way. After United’s 3-2 win Michael Carrick was asked about the former United manager, who is considered the club’s greatest.

“I haven’t got any updates,” said the interim manager. “I did hear about it before the game so I was aware about that. All I can say is I was affected, we wish him all the best, hope is in good shape, and hopefully the result gives him a good boost.”

Ferguson, who is a regular at United’s home games and has a row of seats in the Old Trafford directors’ box, was pictured at the stadium on Sunday ahead of kick-off before being taken to hospital.

Dr Aseem Malhotra, a consultant cardiologist, posted a picture on X with Ferguson. He wrote: “A privilege, honour and dream come true to be invited to spend some quality time with Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of the game against Liverpool today at Old Trafford.” United supporters chanted Ferguson’s name towards the end of the first half.

The Scot had a brain haemorrhage in 2018, which was life-threatening and which he spoke of three years later.

“[I am] probably [now] not taking things too seriously in terms of knowing that you’re vulnerable,” he said. “If I go tomorrow I’ll be grateful for the three years extra I had. That’s a feeling I’ve had for quite a while now.”

Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles with United and two Champions Leagues during a garlanded 26-and-a-half years at the club. In total he won 28 major titles for the club.

United did not comment when contacted by the Guardian on Sunday afternoon.