Spineless United hit by derby day Blues

Man City 3 Man Utd 1

The only problem, with a present like this, are the chances of the veteran manager being around to reap the benefits.

United have suffered bigger defeats this season, their previous prior to Saturday a 4-1 reverse at Middlesbrough in late October. They have suffered bigger derby reverses, by 4-1 as recently as two seasons ago. But few defeats on Fergie's watch can have been as shambolic and spineless as their surrender at the City of Manchester Stadium.