Sir Alex Ferguson watched on gloomy-faced as Manchester United suffered a humiliating 6-3 defeat to ‘noisy neighbours’ 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 Guardiola’s side dismantle Erik ten Hag’s 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-old’s face - as well as that of his former player Cristiano Ronaldo, one of United’s 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.Phil Foden scored a hat-trick in Man City's 6-3 win v Man UtdMANCHESTER, 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: “Manchester City have four before half-time. The football is breathtaking.

“There are big gaps appearing in the away end. There are people leaving the away end. They’re not going for half-time refreshment here. They’re going to drown their sorrows elsewhere.

“Sir Alex Ferguson was asked in 2009 if City could ever go into a derby as favourites. He said ‘not in my lifetime’… now it’s every time.”

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 “not in my lifetime” back in September 2009 after being asked if United would ever go into a Manchester derby as underdogs.

Per The Independent’s Ian Herbert, Ferguson waited at least 15 seconds before responding to the press conference question.

Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009

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)

“What time is it?” Ferguson eventually replied. “I think it is time for me to leave.”

As he rose to his feet, Ferguson then added: “Not in my lifetime.”

Thirteen years later and the power-shift that seemed impossible in Ferguson’s 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 Sunday’s rout.

Read more: Erling Haaland: Which PL players scored three hat-tricks the fastest?

QUIZ: Can you name all of these PL players from the 1990s?

Haaland and Man City destroy Man Utd (Football Terrace)