Fergie’s legendary return
Ovation for Sir Alex as he makes football comeback
Sir Alex Ferguson received an emotional ovation yesterday as he returned to Old Trafford for the first time since his brain haemorrhage.
The former Manchester United manager, who had emergency surgery four months ago, was applauded as he took his seat in the directors’ box shortly before kick-off. The 76-year-old was taken to hospital from his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire, in May after falling ill and was in intensive care for several days.
In an interview ahead of his return to watch his former team take on Wolves, he said: “It’s really good to be back. It’s obviously been a long journey, but I’m making steps forward.” He added: “It’s going to be quite emotional for me when the game starts. It had to happen sometime and I’ve been looking forward to it. It was important getting the right time and the right rest.” Sir Alex said he was overwhelmed by the level of support shown when he was in hospital. “It’s unbelievable, there were thousands of cards and they kept arriving at Salford Royal Hospital,” he said.
“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.”
Fans had been asked to be in their seats 15 minutes early so Manchester United could “honour Sir Alex’s return”.
He was appointed manager in 1986 and retired at the end of the 2012-13 season. The legendary boss won 49 trophies in management, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues.
This included a successful spell as manager of Aberdeen, which included winning the European Cup Winner’s Cup in 1983.