Alex Ferguson looked thrilled to be back in his seat at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon but fans were even happier to see him.
Ferguson had not been able to attend Manchester United home games since undergoing emergency brain surgery in May.
The legendary United manager suffered a brain haemorrhage after falling ill at his home earlier this year and was transported to Salford Royal, where he underwent surgery.
Ferguson, 76, has made a remarkable recovery and couldn’t wait to get back to the Theatre of Dreams, where he received a rousing reception on Saturday.
The Scot arrived 15 minutes ahead of kick-off in United’s Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers and received the kind of ovation that is typically reserved for the late winners with which he has become synonymous.
A special moment at Old Trafford. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/vU8YWstnk1
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 22, 2018
“It’s really good [to be back],” he told MUTV. “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 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.
“It’s great to go back to the stadium and it’s going to be quite emotional for me when the game starts. 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.
Welcome back to Old Trafford, Sir Alex. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/RpDnitdrJZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 22, 2018
“It’s bound to be emotional, particularly when I take my seat in the box. That will be something, you know. I’ll be glad when the game starts and I can enjoy it.”
Ferguson won an incredible 38 trophies during his 26 years in charge of the Red Devils, delivering 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies.
