Sir Alex Ferguson watched on gloomy-faced as Manchester United suffered a humiliating 6-3 defeat to ânoisy neighboursâ Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.The legendary retired manager, who led Man Utd to unprecedented success between 1986-2013, was in the stands to witness Pep Guardiolaâs side dismantle Erik ten Hagâs team in the latest Manchester derby.Unlike some United fans, who walked out the ground at half-time after watching their team go 4-0 down, Ferguson stayed until the bitter end.Man Utd may have restored a little pride in the second half by scoring three goals - one from summer signing Antony and two from substitute Anthony Martial - but this was still an embarrassing afternoon for everyone associated with the Red Devils.The cameras cut to Ferguson, sat in the stands, on a couple of occasions over the course of the 90 minutes.The 80-year-oldâs face - as well as that of his former player Cristiano Ronaldo, one of Unitedâs unused substitutes at the Etihad - said it all.Guy Mowbray was on commentary duty for Match of the Day 2 and his comments when Ferguson appeared on screen after Phil Foden made it 4-0 to City on the stroke of half-time have subsequently gone viral on social media.MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 02: Phil Foden of Manchester City celebrates their sides sixth goal and their hat trick during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
What was said on MOTD 2 when Sir Alex Ferguson appeared?
Mowbray said: âManchester City have four before half-time. The football is breathtaking.
âThere are big gaps appearing in the away end. There are people leaving the away end. Theyâre not going for half-time refreshment here. Theyâre going to drown their sorrows elsewhere.
âSir Alex Ferguson was asked in 2009 if City could ever go into a derby as favourites. He said ânot in my lifetimeâ⦠now itâs every time.â
Ouch.
Video: Commentary when Fergie appeared during City 6-3 United
Watch the clip here:
What exactly did Ferguson say about Man City in 2009?
As Mowbray said on commentary, Ferguson did indeed say ânot in my lifetimeâ back in September 2009 after being asked if United would ever go into a Manchester derby as underdogs.
Per The Independentâs Ian Herbert, Ferguson waited at least 15 seconds before responding to the press conference question.
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester United at the Britannia Stadium on September 26, 2009 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
âWhat time is it?â Ferguson eventually replied. âI think it is time for me to leave.â
As he rose to his feet, Ferguson then added: âNot in my lifetime.â
Thirteen years later and the power-shift that seemed impossible in Fergusonâs eyes is now complete.
Foden and the unstoppable Erling Haaland, who has turned City into an even more formidable force, both scored hat-tricks during Sundayâs rout.
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Haaland and Man City destroy Man Utd (Football Terrace)