Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral of Alex Hughes in Prestbury following his sudden death last month. Mark Hughes carried the coffin of his son into St Peter's Church alongside family members, including Alex's brother Curtis and father-in-law David Pollock.
Alex's widow Jess walked into the church behind the coffin with their children, Sebastian and Leonardo. The Manchester Evening News reported that Pollock revealed in an emotional eulogy how both children had started pointing to the sky after scoring goals in honour of their father.
Mark Hughes gave a private tribute at the committal, while a joint tribute from the former Manchester United striker and his wife Jill was read out by Pollock at the end of the eulogy. "Alex, thank you for giving us the privilege of being your mum and dad," Mark and Jill said. "Thank you for every smile, every laugh, every hug, every precious memory. You were, and always will be, our perfect son. We love you beyond words. We always have and we always will. Mum and Dad."
Mourners from football world
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was among the mourners in attendance. Other representatives from Manchester United included Mike Phelan, Martin Edwards, Bryan Robson and Ryan Giggs.
Grimsby Town manager David Artell led a delegation from the League Two club. Alex Hughes had been working as the player recruitment lead at Grimsby Town FC at the time of his death on June 19. The League Managers Association announced his death last month, releasing a statement on behalf of former Manchester City and Wales boss Mark Hughes and his family.
"Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex," the statement read. "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. The Hughes family".
Career in football management
After a brief playing career in Wales, Alex Hughes took up several roles off the pitch. As well as being a licensed agent, he worked with his father as an analyst at Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Fulham before becoming director of football at AFC Fylde in 2024.
Mark Hughes had an esteemed playing career, turning out 345 times for Manchester United alongside stints at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. He then turned to management, leading Wales for five years before spells at Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City.
Most recently, Mark Hughes left Carlisle last month after falling to defeat in the National League play-off semi-finals.