SIR ALEX FERGUSON was spotted in the stands for Manchester United’s 5-2 Carabao Cup win over Leicester on Wednesday night.
The legendary Red Devils manager, 82, was recently relieved of his £2million-a-year ambassadorial role at the club.
But he remains welcome at matches and was on hand to watch the first game since Erik ten Hag was sacked.
Fergie will have been proud to see one of his former players, Ruud van Nistelrooy, taking charge of the team on an interim basis.
But it was not the Scot’s presence at the match that surprised fans.
Instead, it was the company he was keeping as he chatted to an England cricketing legend.
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Michael Vaughan was pictured talking to Fergie during Man Utd’s comfortable victory.
The skipper for England’s iconic 2005 Ashes triumph was a name many would not have expected to see with Ferguson – especially as he is a proud Sheffield Wednesday fan.
And people reacted in their droves on social media.
One fan said: “Why is Michael Vaughan sitting next to SAF 😭😭.”
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Another added: “Is that Michael Vaughan I see at Old Trafford. 😭”
A third replied: “Poor Sir Alex having to watch the game with Michael Vaughan in his ear.”
While a fourth responded: “What is Michael Vaughan doing next to Sir Alex?”
United’s win came as they closed in on bringing Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim to Old Trafford to replace Ten Hag.
Man Utd ratings vs Leicester
MAN UNITED started life after Erik ten Hag with a comfortable win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup.
But who shone in the 5-2 victory, and who will be hoping incoming boss Ruben Amorim wasn’t watching?
SunSport’s Katherine Walsh gives her ratings…
Altay Bayindir – 6
Although United dominated, Bayindir looked shaky when Leicester’s chances came.
He flapped with a dodgy punch which led to the away side’s 33rd minute goal. And he looked to repeat it with McAteer’s shot just before half-time.
But one excellent second half save, pushed on to the crossbar, when Steve Cooper’s side were pressing, boosts his mark up a bit.
Victor Lindelof – 6
Hasn’t got the partnership with De Ligt established yet as they both failed to deal with crosses too often from centre-back.
But wasn’t really troubled consistently in the absence of Jamie Vardy in what was his second start of the season.
Matthijs De Ligt – 7
A more physical presence at the back than in previous performances but a more potent attack could have caused much more trouble.
Kasey McAteer got the better of him a few times and he was subbed in the 71st minute for Jonny Evans.
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Looked vulnerable at left-back in moments, with Lindelof filling in at centre-back.
James Justin often had acres of space in the second half before United made it 5-2.
Diogo Dalot
Back in his beloved right-hand side and told to push into midfield but often left his defensive channel wide open.
Passed back all too often and kept Justin onside in the first half.
He assisted Garnacho’s opener though after collecting Casemiro’s stunning lofted pass.
Played a part in Leicester’s second after the ball bounced off him to drop for Coady in another silly goal to concede for the home side.
Casemiro – 9
The star of the show. A stunning first-half showing saw Casemiro score a brace after bagging a 30-yard screamer for United’s opening goal inside 15 minutes.
He was involved in Garnacho’s goal too. Came up with a number of key defensive headers in the second-half to show class is permanent, although form might be temporary at 32 years old.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Conceded early fouls but worked hard. Slowly but surely starting to get to grips with his United team-mates after a shaky start.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Restored United’s 3-1 lead with his first finish of the season. Played with a smile on his face, which we often haven’t seen this season.
Dummied the ball for Casemiro’s worldie and scored his second of the evening in the 57th minute after rolling it under Danny Ward before tapping it into an empty net.
Will be leaned on heavily by Van Nistelrooy to produce the goods following Ten Hag’s departure.
Marcus Rashford – 6
A quiet evening for Rashford, who needs to kick on after Ten Hag’s exit.
The winger lost the ball a lot in the first 30 minutes. Flicks didn’t come off and hauled off again in the 60th minute.
Rashford’s only played a full 90 minutes THREE times this season.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
A goal and assist for Garnacho, who attended the Ballon d’Or on Monday.
The 20-year-old doubled United’s lead inside 27 minutes after a well worked team move and set up Casemiro’s brilliant opener.
Looked a constant threat throughout and was taken off 20 minutes from time to be saved for Sunday’s clash against Chelsea.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4
Worked hard but never looked confident on the ball and struggled to get involved in the seven-goal thriller. Never seemed to be on his toes either.
But the only consolation is that he was involved in Casemiro’s second (United’s fourth).
Trudged off after 85 minutes looking disgruntled with his tail between his legs.
Subs
Amad (60′ for Rashford) – 7
Instant impact from the bench. The youngster almost scored an overhead kick with his first touch of the evening.
Mazraoui (60′ for Martinez) – 6
Hojlund (71′ for Garnacho) – 6
Jonny Evans (71′ for De Ligt) – 6
Ethan Wheatley (85′ for Zirkzee) – N/A
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
