Wolves take a point from Old Trafford’s party for Alex Ferguson

Premier League newcomers Wolverhampton spoiled the party on the day Alex Ferguson made an emotional return to Old Trafford.

Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates after scoring against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Picture: Getty Images

English Premier League newcomers Wolverhampton spoiled the party 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 stamping ground on Saturday night (AEST) for the first time since undergoing emergency brain surgery in May. But Manchester United were unable to mark the occasion with a win as they were held 1-1 by the visitors.

Ferguson received a standing ovation from the crowd of 74,000 when he took his seat in the directors’ box. 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. Ferguson retired from coaching in 2013, after amassing 38 trophies in almost 27 years at United.

His former team scored on 18 minutes when Paul Pogba produced a lovely touch on the edge of the penalty area to steer the ball into the path of Fred, whose weak right-foot shot still found the back of the net.

But Wolves were always in the game, and it was no surprise when they equalised in the second half. Raul Jimenez set up Joao Moutinho, giving coach Nuno Espirito Santo a draw against his mentor Jose Mourinho.

Liverpool moved alone to the top of the standings and maintained their perfect start to the season by beating Southampton 3-0 for a sixth win in six matches.

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 Manchester City.

City are second on the ladder after a 5-0 rout of Cardiff on the road, but could be leapfrogged by Chelsea, who visited West Ham overnight. New signing Riyad Mahrez scored twice in the second half, his first goals for Man City, as they turned on the power and sparkled at Cardiff. Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan were also on target in the first half.

Cardiff are still looking for their first win.

England striker Harry Kane moved alongside Jermain Defoe as Tottenham’s joint fifth-highest scorer on 143 after converting a penalty in a 2-1 win at Brighton. Erik Lamela also scored, 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.

AP