Manchester United legend Mark Hughes has suffered the heartbreaking loss of his son, who died suddenly at the age of 38.

Alex Hughes followed his father into the football world, having spells at Stockport County and Wrexham before ending his playing career to work in player analysis and recruitment.

Alex’s death was confirmed by a statement released by the League Managers Association on behalf of Mark.

It read: ‘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. 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.’

After ending his playing career, Alex worked for Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Fulham, who were all managed by his father, before leading a private academy in Portugal.

He joined Blackburn in 2007, working as the sole performance analyst at the club, before moving on to the other Premier League sides.

Alex then became a player agent and in recent years, he worked for non-league clubs AFC Fylde and Morecambe before joining Grimsby last summer.

Alex was born in 1987, while Mark was contracted to Barcelona, though his dad is renowned in English football for winning the FA Cup, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, League Cup and the Premier League. 

Many of the Welshman’s trophies came from his time at Manchester United after he came through the club’s youth system.

Mark also made 72 international caps for Wales, scoring 16 goals for his country.

Throughout his long managerial career, he took charge of the Welsh national team, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke City, and Southampton in the Premier League.

Mark most recently managed Carlisle United, but he left the club at the end of May.