'Heartbroken' Man Utd legend Mark Hughes carries son Alex's coffin with family at funeral after unexpected death at 38
“HEARTBROKEN” Manchester United icon Mark Hughes carried his son Alex’s coffin at his funeral after his unexpected death aged 38.His former boss Sir Alex Ferguson led mourners as legendary footballing figures packed into St Peter’s Church in Prestbury, Cheshire, to pay tribute.AdvertisementAlex had been working in a top job inGrimsby Town‘s player recruitment department when he tragically died aged 38.Two-times Premier League winner Hughes, 62 said his family was “totally heartbroken” by Alex’s sudden death on June 19.The Welsh manager looked emotional as he lifted the coffin alongside Alex’s brother Curtis and his father-in-law, David Pollock.Alex’s wife Jess – who he met at school when they were teenagers – wept as she walked behind with their children, Sebastian and Leonardo.AdvertisementUnited greats Bryan Robson and Ryan Giggs were in attendance, as well as ex-coach Mike Phelan and former chairman Martin Edwards.Grimsby Town boss David Artell, who worked very closely with Alex during his time at the Mariners, also led a delegation from the League Two club.David gave a touching eulogy to his son-in-law as he spoke about his grandchildren’s love of football, according to MEN.He said: “He’s so proud of your determination, he’s so proud of your passion.“He will always be watching you in spirit, watching you score goals, watching you make tackles with every game.Advertisement“And when you look up and do your celebrations, which I know you’ve been doing already, he’ll be watching over you, high in the sky.”Curtis, who also spoke to the packed-out church, struggled to hold back his tears as he paid a heartbreaking tribute to his brother.He hailed Alex’s “warmth, loyalty and kindness”, while joking he was simply his “annoying older brother”.AdvertisementCurtis continued: “People look for signs when they lose someone… to tell them they’re still around. I was lucky enough to have mine.“Just two days after we said goodbye to Alex, I was trying to distract myself with work when a bee decided to fly straight into me.“In that moment, I just knew it was Alex doing his best to annoy me just another time.”Stoke City star Jonathan Walters and Arsenal legend Martin Keown were also in attendance yesterday.Born in 1987 while Mark was contracted toBarcelona, Alex went on to have a brief spell as a footballer inWales.AdvertisementHe then moved into a variety of behind-the-scenes roles and earned his stripes as a match analyst at Blackburn.Manchester City then took him on as a scout, going on to work as chief analyst at another of his dad’s former clubs,Fulham.Alex later forged his own path with advisory roles at 1860 Munich and Reading.In 2024, he took over as director of football at AFC Fylde before returning to prominent scouting roles at Morecambe and Grimsby.Dad Mark, 62, had a distinguished playing career with United, Barca, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn.AdvertisementHe then became a mainstay in Premier League management after five years in charge of the Welsh national team.The former Wales, Blackburn, Manchester City and Stoke City boss shared the tragic news of Alex’s passing via the League Managers Association.He said: “Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex.“Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo.“Alex was Player Recruitment Lead at Grimsby Town FC, and had many good friends and colleagues.Advertisement“He will be so deeply missed by us all. We ask for privacy during this sad time as we come to terms with our family’s loss.”
Most Popular
