Sir Alex Ferguson has returned to Old Trafford for the first time since recovering from brain surgery.
The Manchester United icon, 76, underwent emergency surgery back in May following a brain haemorrhage.
But, to the delight of the Old Trafford faithful, the Scot was pictured smiling on his first public appearance since the operation at his former haunt ahead of United’s clash with Wolves.
Sir Alex Ferguson has returned to Old Trafford for the first time since recovering from surgery
He has made his first public appearance since undergoing surgery on his brain back in May
It was an emotional return for the former boss, who told MUTV ahead of the game: ‘It’s really good [to be back]. 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, yeah, 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.
‘I don’t miss this! [interviews] This is the pressure, having these press guys with stupid questions! No, it’s great to go back to the stadium and it’s going to be quite emotional for me when the game starts, things like that. 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.
‘It’s bound to be emotional,’ he continued. ‘Particularly when I take my seat in the box. That will be something, you know. I’ll be glad when it gets over and the game starts and I can enjoy it.’
The Old Trafford great waved at well-wishers as he made his way into the famous old ground
The Scot, 76, applauded those who showed support upon his return to the Theatre of Dreams
Ferguson went on to admit that, while in hospital, the sheer volume of support overwhelmed him and he took the opportunity to thank those who wised him well, as well as thanking the surgeons who saved his life.
‘It’s unbelievable,’ he added, ‘there were thousands of cards and they kept arriving at Salford Royal Hospital. 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. I think, if you remember, I did the message [through MUTV] to thank the people who had taken the time to send me messages. It was really important to do that. Some of the doctors are here [as special guests] who did the operation and I thought it was the right thing to do. It’s great to be back!’
Since his surgery, he has been steadily recovering at his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire. But he is now well enough to get back to his old stomping ground and United plan to celebrate the former manager’s return, with the club encouraging supporters to be in their seats 15 minutes before kick-off against Wolves .
A bona fide great of the game, Ferguson was on Saturday welcomed by fans, who offered their support as he made his way into the Theatre of Dreams.
Ferguson, who was the picture of happiness, waved and applauded the well-wishers before entering the famous old ground.
During his 26-year tenure at United, Ferguson moulded a succession of outstanding and vaunted teams, winning the Champions League twice, 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup during his time there between 1986 and 2013.
He has subsequently become the club director and ambassador and has a stand and street named in his honour. A statue of the iconic figure is also outside the ground and few could argue there are more iconic figures in football, let alone at United.
Ferguson won 25 major trophies during his 26-year tenure as Manchester United manager