To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Manchester United fans were loving reactions of Sir Alex Ferguson and Erik ten Hag for Antony's goal

Manchester United fans were loving reactions of Sir Alex Ferguson and Erik ten Hag for Antony's goal

Fergie was enjoying himself in the Old Trafford stands, as Antony's strike put United into the last 16 of the Europa League.

Manchester United fans were treated to the sight of Sir Alex Ferguson and Erik ten Hag in tandem for the second time this week, and they were very happy with it.

Earlier in the week, United supporters were very much enjoying seeing Fergie and Ten Hag sharing dinner together, wistfully imagining what the two were discussing.

The fact that the pictures came about after Liverpool had got spanked by Real Madrid in the Champions League only added to the excellent week that fans of the Old Trafford side were having.

That could have all come crashing down and hurt inside when they faced Barcelona in the Europa League play off round on Thursday night.

Things didn't start too well for Ten Hag's side, with Robert Lewandowski putting the visitors in front in the first half, after Bruno Fernandes' soft foul.

However, it was turned around in the second half, thanks to an equaliser from Fred and a winner from half time substitute, and fellow Brazilian, Antony.

Fans were cocahoop at the winning goal, and in the stands Fergie and Ten Hag shared their feelings, and their celebrations were caught on camera.

"In tears. Lovely to see 10 years of hurt," one fan said, referencing the near decade since Ferguson retired from football management.

"I just love seeing 'The Gaffer' happy once again," a second added on the Scotsman's appearance.

A third posted, "Seeing Sir Alex Ferguson happy warms my heart everytime."

A fourth replied, "That little fist pump from Sir Alex is literally the highlight of the evening. Seeing him enjoy watching United play again means everything!"

Loving the celebration, another simply noted, "That fist bump from Sir Alex."

"I'm not crying, you're crying," lied another, who included a crying emoji.

Antony celebrates his winner. Image: Alamy
Antony celebrates his winner. Image: Alamy

Over the years, the presence of Sir Alex, especially during David Moyes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's spells in charge, has been criticised.

Some felt that his shadow has loomed too large over the managers who have been trying to bring success back to the club, who are without a trophy in nearly six years.

That's certainly doesn't seem to be the case for Ten Hag, who has clearly known how to handle big personalities at the club and high expectations for trophies.

He has certainly brought the belief back to Old Trafford, now fans will hope that the trophies will follow, that certainly would leave Fergie smiling again.

Featured Image Credit: BT Sport

Topics: Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Antony, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Europa League, Barcelona