Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson receives rapturous applause from supporters as he returns to Old Trafford for first time since suffering brain haemorrhage
- Sir Alex Ferguson has returned to Old Trafford for the first time since surgery
- The Old Trafford great underwent an operation on his brain back in May
- He recovered at his Cheshire home and is now well enough to go out again
- The club will celebrate his return 15 minutes before kick-off against Wolves
- Fans gave him a standing ovation as he made his way to his seat before kick-off
Sir Alex Ferguson was given a rapturous applause by Manchester United supporters as he returned to Old Trafford for the first time since recovering from brain surgery.
The Manchester United icon, 76, underwent emergency surgery back in May following a brain haemorrhage.
But, to the delight of the Old Trafford faithful, the Scot was pictured smiling on his first public appearance since the operation at his former haunt ahead of United’s clash with Wolves.
Sir Alex Ferguson was given a rapturous applause by Manchester United fans at Old Trafford
Fans stood to their feet to applaud Sir Alex as he made his way into the directors box
Ferguson was greeted by thousands of adoring fans as he emerged into the stadium
The Scottish legend was delighted to be back in his seat ahead of the game against Wolves
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Fans were urged to be in their seats 15 minutes before kick-off at Old Trafford and they stood to their feet to applaud Sir Alex as he made his way into his seat in the directors box.
He emerged into the directors’ box with a huge grin on his face and almost sheepishly acknowledged the ovation with a wave of his right hand.
Sir Alex knows just how much he is loved at Manchester United and here it was again, lavished on him from all four corners of Old Trafford.
‘One of our own,’ said the club’s match-day announcer Alan Keegan to fans who had been urged to be in their seats 15 minutes early.
‘Without question one of the greatest figures in Manchester United’s 140-year history. We are relieved and overjoyed to see him back where he belongs. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, give the warmest of Old Trafford welcomes to Sir Alex Ferguson.’
Sir Alex made his return to Old Trafford for the first time since recovering from surgery
He has made his first public appearance since undergoing surgery on his brain back in May
The Old Trafford great waved at well-wishers as he made his way into the famous old ground
The Scot, 76, applauded those who showed support upon his return to the Theatre of Dreams
The 76-year-old Scot was given an affectionate pat on the back from his old chief executive David Gill as he turned to receive the rapturous applause. He looked more like his old self in a suit and tie as he raised his hands to acknowledge the acclaim and then clenched his fists, as he has done in triumph so many times here. Winning this battle has been the most important of the lot.
Old Trafford rose again in the 28th minute with an unprompted chorus of ‘Stand up if you love Fergie’ and he seemed genuinely touched by the show of emotion.
Ferguson, who shook hands with well-wishers as he took his place in the directors’ box next to wife Cathy, told MUTV ahead of the game: ‘It’s really good [to be back]. It’s obviously been a long journey but I’m making steps forward, doing what my son tells me and what the doctors tell me so, yeah, it’s really good.
‘I’m a bit nervous, to be honest with you, maybe a bit tense really because the last game was Arsenal back in April. It was a long time but it’s great to be back and I just hope we get a win today.
‘I don’t miss this! [interviews] This is the pressure, having these press guys with stupid questions! No, it’s great to go back to the stadium and it’s going to be quite emotional for me when the game starts, things like that. It had to happen some time and I’ve been looking forward to it. It was important getting the right time and the right rest before coming to a game.
‘It’s bound to be emotional,’ he continued. ‘Particularly when I take my seat in the box. That will be something, you know. I’ll be glad when it gets over and the game starts and I can enjoy it.’
Ferguson was all smiles as he thanked those who wished him well during his recovery
He also admitted that Saturday was going to be a nerve-wracking experience for him
Ferguson went on to admit that, while in hospital, the sheer volume of support overwhelmed him and he took the opportunity to thank those who wised him well, as well as thanking the surgeons who saved his life.
‘It’s unbelievable,’ he added, ‘there were thousands of cards and they kept arriving at Salford Royal Hospital. I’d left by that time but they kept coming and kept coming. The number of emails, texts and personal cards to the house, it was just amazing. It really was.
‘I’m overcome by it and overwhelmed by it. I think, if you remember, I did the message [through MUTV] to thank the people who had taken the time to send me messages. It was really important to do that. Some of the doctors are here [as special guests] who did the operation and I thought it was the right thing to do. It’s great to be back!’
He made his way into the stadium and embarked on a walk he has done many times before
Since his surgery, he has been steadily recovering at his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
But he is now well enough to get back to his old stomping ground and United plan to celebrate the former manager’s return, with the club encouraging supporters to be in their seats 15 minutes before kick-off against Wolves .
A bona fide great of the game, Ferguson was welcomed by fans, who offered their support as he made his way into the Theatre of Dreams.
After the match, current United boss Jose Mourinho said: ‘It is fantastic news for everyone not just for the Manchester United family.
‘Who in the world of football, even in the world, is not happy with Sir Alex Ferguson back? So it is great news for everyone.’
Ferguson went through the tunnel and up the stairs to the familiar surroundings at Old Trafford
Ferguson, who was the picture of happiness, waved and applauded the well-wishers before entering the famous old ground.
During his 26-year tenure at United, Ferguson moulded a succession of outstanding and vaunted teams, winning the Champions League twice, 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup during his time there between 1986 and 2013.
He has subsequently become the club director and ambassador and has a stand and street named in his honour. A statue of the iconic figure is also outside the ground and few could argue there are more legendary figures in football, let alone at United.
Ferguson won 25 major trophies during his 26-year tenure as Manchester United manager
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