Manchester City gave Sir Alex Ferguson the worst day of his football life as they stormed Old Trafford to thrash neighbours United 6-1 in the Barclays Premier League. On an astonishing afternoon which Ferguson admitted left him ‘shattered’, Roberto Mancini’s rampant team inflicted United’s biggest home defeat since 1955 — and equal biggest since 1927 — as they tore their opponents apart to go five points clear at the top.
Ferguson said: ‘It was our worst ever day. It’s the worst result in my history, ever. Even as a player I don’t think I ever lost 6-1. I can’t believe the scoreline.’ The day was a triumph for Mancini and City forward Mario Balotelli, who recovered from setting his house on fire with fireworks early on Saturday to score the decisive opening two goals. Ferguson was hosting a function for his long-serving staff last night in recognition of his 25 years at the club, but he was in no mood for a party. City led 1-0 at half-time thanks to Balotelli, who celebrated by revealing a T-shirt that said: ‘Why Always Me?’ Mancini said: ‘We’ve beaten United away and not many teams do that. I’m happy not because of the 6-1 scoreline — that is important for the supporters and the goals column — I’m more happy for the three points.
The turning point came early in the second period, though, when United defender Jonny Evans was sent off. After that City ran away with the game and two goals in added time ensured United suffered their worst home defeat since City thumped them 5-0 in 1955, and equal worst since a 7-1 trouncing by Newcastle in 1927.
‘I don’t know what happened on Friday. The most important thing was that Mario and his friend were OK. He is in a hotel now. Today Mario played very well. If we want to talk about Mario we can put him in the first five players in the world.What did his T-shirt say? Well, that is Mario. But that is why he is so popular with the supporters because he is crazy.
‘But he is young and at his age he can make some mistakes. City led 3-0 with 10 minutes left but a goal from Darren Fletcher prompted United to push forward. ‘But I love him because he is a good guy. I hope the day arrives that he changes his mind completely. When he does that he will become one of the best three players in the world, like Messi, like Ronaldo.’
Ferguson, who left captain Nemanja Vidic in the stands, said: ‘The first goal was a blow, but that’s retrievable. The sending-off was the killer blow. It’s a perfect result for us to react to because there is a lot of embarrassment in the dressing room which will make an impact.’ (Dailymail).
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