Albion have sent a message of support to Sir Alex Ferguson.

The former Manchester United manager had emergency surgery yesterday for a brain haemorrhage.

A United statement said the procedure "had gone very well" but Ferguson "needs a period of intensive care to optimise his recovery".

Sir Alex was not present at his club's 1-0 defeat at the Amex on Friday night.

Albion chief executive Paul Barber said: “On behalf of the chairman, manager Chris Hughton and everyone here at the club I would like to wish Sir Alex a speedy recovery.

“We were very shocked to hear what had happened and he is, of course, a true legend of the game.”

Barber met United vice-chairman Ed Woodward at Friday’s game, in which Albion secured their Premier League status for next season.

He added: “United were gracious and complimentary, from the directors to the manager and through all the staff.

“They took time to congratulate us in the directors’ box and the changing room and they were very classy in how they conducted themselves.

“They made it clear they felt they had been beaten by the better side.

“That meant a lot to us and Ed Woodward went out of his way to say they were pleased we were staying up. He didn’t have to do that.”

Barber spoke to Sir Alex when Albion lost 2-0 at Old Trafford in the FA Cup in March.

He said: “We chatted for about five minutes, which was nice.

"The previous time we had a real face-to-face was when I was at the FA and Rio Ferdinand missed his drugs test.

“Sir Alex wasn’t best pleased with me when I told him Rio has been left out of the squad!

“It was nice to have another catch-up and he was very gracious and complimentary about the work Chris has done here.”