Alex Ferguson in the stands during his first match since he underwent emergency brain surgery in May, before the English Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Saturday, September 22, 2018 of United before retiring in 2013. (Martin Rickett / PA via AP)(Photo: Associated Press)

MANCHESTER, England (AP) – Alex Ferguson made a touching return to Old Trafford on Saturday for the Manchester United Premier League match against Wolverhampton after his emergency brain surgery in May.

Ferguson spent nearly 27 years as a United manager before retiring in 2013 as the most successful coach in the history of British football.

The 76-year-old Scotsman received an enthusiastic welcome from fans as he took a seat in the stands. He responded with a beaming smile and raising his arms in the air to greet the crowd.

"It was obviously a long trip but I'm taking steps forward, doing what my son tells me and what the doctors tell me," Ferguson said before the game.

"I'm a little nervous … maybe a little tense because the last game was Arsenal in April, so it's great to go back to the stadium and it's going to be very moving when the match starts."

Ferguson was in intensive care for several days at Royal Salford Hospital earlier this year.

He has won 38 trophies at United, including the Champions League twice and the Premier League 13 times. He also won five FA Cups.

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