Newcomers spoil Ferguson’s return

English Premier League newcomer Wolverhampton turned party-pooper on the day Alex Ferguson made an emotional return to Old Trafford.

The most successful coach in British football history was back at his former stamping ground yesterday for the first time since undergoing emergency brain surgery in May. But Manchester United were unable to mark the occasion with a win as they were held by Wolverhampton to 1-1.

Ferguson received a standing ovation from the crowd of 74,000 when he took his seat in the directors’ box before the game. He reacted with a wide grin and by raising his arms to salute the crowd.

‘‘It’s great to be back,’’ the 76-yearold Scot said.

Ferguson retired from coaching in 2013, after amassing 38 trophies in almost 27 years at United, who took the lead but had to settle with a stalemate.

The hosts scored early when Paul Pogba produced a lovely touch on the edge of the penalty area and steered the ball into the path of scorer Fred.

But Wolves were always in the game, and it was no surprise when they equalised in the second half. Raul Jimenez set up Joao Moutinho, giving coach Nuno Espirito Santo a draw against his mentor Jose Mourinho.

Meanwhile, Liverpool moved alone to the top of the standings and stayed perfect after beating Southampton 3-0 at Anfield for a sixth win in six matches.

An own goal from Wesley Hoedt and strikes from Joel Matip and Mohamed Salah, all in the first half, led Liverpool to their best start to a season since 1990.

‘‘The boys are in good shape,’’ Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp said.

They need to be for their next four games: Chelsea twice, Napoli in the Champions League, then Man City.

City are second in the EPL after routing hosts Cardiff 5-0, but could be leapfrogged by Chelsea, who visited West Ham overnight.

Meanwhile, Kiwi Chris Wood was dropped to the bench by Burnley, who cruised to a 4-0 home win over Bournemouth.

In other matches, Tottenham scored a 2-1 win away at Brighton, hosts Leicester City were 3-1 victors against Huddersfield, Crystal Palace were held to a 0-0 home draw against Newcastle and Watford had to settle for a 1-1 result away to Fulham.