Wolves spoil Ferguson’s return
English Premier League newcomers Wolverhampton turned party-poopers 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.
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.
United 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.
New signing Riyad Mahrez scored twice in the second half, his first goals for Manchester City, as they turned on the goal power, with Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Guendogan also on target in a 5-0 thumping of Cardiff City.
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, while Chris Wood’s Burnley outclassed Bournemouth 4-0.