Mark Hughes ‘totally heartbroken’ as son tragically passes away aged 38

Jun 20, 2026 - 23:15

Alex Hughes, the son of Manchester United great Mark, has tragically passed away at age 38.

“Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex,” Hughes said in a statement shared by the League Managers Association.

Hughes shared the tragic news of his son’s passing via a statement

“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.”

Alex’s journey through football

Alex joined Grimsby’s recruitment department last July following a five-month spell as Morecambe’s Head of Scouting.

Prior to his spell with the Shrimps, Alex was Director of Football at non-league outfit AFC Fylde.

Earlier in his career, Alex worked as a performance analyst at Blackburn Rovers for the 2007/08 season.

It coincided with his father Mark’s final year as Rovers boss before he was appointed by Manchester City in June 2008.

At City, Alex first worked as a development analyst before progressing to being a recruitment analyst.

He was with City for just over two years before he departed in August 2010, eight months after Mark was sacked by the club.

Alex then joined Fulham as their Head of Analysis in September 2010, once again coinciding with his father being manager of the club.

Hughes’ son worked at three of the clubs he was manager at

Hughes senior is out of work following his exit from Carlisle United in May.

The Welshman left having failed to lead Carlisle back to the English Football League, losing in the play-off semi-finals to Boreham Wood.

Hughes’ stint at Carlisle marked the ninth job of his managerial career.

He also had spells in charge of Wales, Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City, Southampton and Bradford City.

As a player, the 62-year-old made over 460 appearances for Manchester United where he won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the League Cup.