WATCH: Alex Ferguson makes first appearance since illness

Cape Town - Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has wished the club well ahead of the upcoming English Premiership season as he made his first public appearance since suffering from a brain haemorrhage.

In a short video posted to the club's official Twitter account the 76-year-old Scot who oversaw the club's most successful period in its history thanked fans for all of their well-wishes.

Ferguson went on to thank all of the medical professionals for the help he received saying he "wouldn't be sitting here today" if not for their care.

"This has made me feel so humble, with all the messages I've received from all over the world. Wishing me the best and the good wishes do resonate very very strongly with me.

"Lastly I'll be back later in the season to watch the team and in the meantime all the best to Jose and the players, Ferguson said.

On Saturday 5 May, the football world was rocked by the news that Sir Alex Ferguson had undergone surgery for a brain haemorrhage.

Since then, the most successful manager in English football history has battled in a way only he knows how.

Today, we bring you a special message. pic.twitter.com/NgGejgM46e

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 26, 2018