Ferguson, Moyes and United stars touch down in Manchester after rout in Germany



After routing Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, Manchester United were joined by a club favourite when they touched down in the North West on Thursday.



Sir Alex Ferguson has kept his distance since stepping aside at the end of last season, but it didn't stop him joining former chief executive David Gill at the BayArena on Wednesday evening for the Champions League clash.

And, in the wake of United’s 5-0 demolition, Ferguson and United players were pictured in the lobby at Manchester Airport, signing memorabilia for supporters before making their way home.



Back in town: Sir Alex Ferguson signed autographs for the waiting fans at Manchester Airport on Thursday



Birthday boy: Ryan Giggs turns 40 on Friday and is still playing at the top level

Popularity: Ferguson was mobbed as he arrived in Manchester from Leverkusen

Remember me? Paul Scholes (left) was also at the airport in his capacity as youth coach as one lucky fan was in the lift with United stars



This way? United manager David Moyes was also at the airport with his players

David Moyes’ men had just enjoyed their second biggest away victory in continental competition – a scoreline greater than Ferguson ever achieved – so the appearance of the Old Trafford hierarchy – both are now directors – would have no doubt been warmly welcomed.

All smiles: Ferguson (right) and former United chief executive David Gill enjoy the 5-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen

Watching on: Ferguson has taken in the majority of United's games this season, but this was his first on the continent

Comfortable: Manchester United recorded an impressively easy victory against Bayer Leverkusen in Germany

Brilliant: Wayne Rooney supplied four goals in a wonderful performance while Ryan Giggs bossed the midfield

Ferguson, who has attended almost all of United's domestic games this season, will undoubtedly have been impressed by the display.



Ryan Giggs - who turns 40 on Friday - dazzled in United's midfield as the Red Devils made a mockery of the German side's unbeaten home run.



And although Wayne Rooney's relationship with Ferguson became strained towards the end of the Scot's 26-year tenure at Old Trafford, his old boss would have been delighted with the way the England striker played in Germany.



