Wolves spoil Fergie’s day at Old Trafford
Man United held to tie as the team’s legendary former manager returns after brain surgery
LONDON — 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 soccer history was back at his former stomping ground on Saturday for the first time since undergoing emergency brain surgery in May.
But Manchester United was unable to mark the occasion with a win as it was held by Wolverhampton to a 1-1 tie.
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-year-old Scot said. “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.
“It was important getting the right time and the right rest before coming to a game. The number of emails, texts, and personal cards that came to the house, it was just amazing. I’m overcome by it and overwhelmed by it.”
Ferguson retired from coaching in 2013, after amassing 38 trophies in almost 27 years at United.
Meanwhile, Liverpool moved alone to the top of the standings and stayed perfect after beating Southampton 3-0 for a sixth win in six games. Manchester City remains second overall after routing Cardiff 5-0, but could be leapfrogged by Chelsea, which visits West Ham today.
Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka was hit by a bottle in a goal-less home draw with Newcastle, Tottenham overcame Brighton 2-1 in the rain, and Burnley ended its worst start to a topflight campaign in nearly a century by crushing top-five side Bournemouth 4-0.
UNITED STRUGGLING
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 the Wolves were always in the game, and it was no surprise when they equalized in the second half. Raul Jimenez set up Joao Moutinho, giving coach Nuno Espirito Santo a draw against his mentor Jose Mourinho.
“The result is fair,” United manager Mourinho said. “We deserve the punishment of only getting one point. They started better, were more aggressive, had more intent.”
LIVERPOOL STILL PERFECT
An own goal from Wesley Hoedt and strikes from Joel Matip and Mohamed Salah, all in the first half, led Liverpool to a seventh straight win to start the season for the first time 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.
MAHREZ’S CITY DOUBLE
New signing Riyad Mahrez scored twice in the second half, his first goals for Man City, as they turned on the goal power and sparkled at Cardiff. Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Guendogan were also on target in the first half. Cardiff still seeks its first win.
KANE TIES DEFOE
England striker Harry Kane moved alongside Jermain Defoe as Tottenham’s joint fifth highest scorer at 143 after converting a penalty at Brighton.
Erik Lamela also netted, his fourth goal in four league games, to take the heat off Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino following a run of three consecutive defeats in all competitions.
PLAYER HIT BY BOTTLE
Wan-Bissaka was struck by a plastic bottle thrown by a Newcastle fan during a 0-0 tie at Selhurst Park.
Wan-Bissaka didn’t appear to be hurt and played on without much regard for the incident.
He appeared to be unwittingly caught up in persistent protests by Newcastle supporters against club owner Mike Ashley, who was attending a game for the first time since May 2017.
Newcastle remains winless through six rounds.
The number of emails, texts and personal cards that came to the house, it was just amazing.” Alex Ferguson on his illness