Fergie hoping for anniversary present in derby

ALEX FERGUSON has said a 1-0 win over Manchester City would suffice as an 18th anniversary present at Old Trafford tomorrow.

It is exactly 18 years tomorrow that Ferguson headed south from Aberdeen to succeed Ron Atkinson, since when he has transformed the fortunes of Manchester United, delivering eight league titles, five FA Cup and, most famously of all, the Champions League trophy in 1999.

Apart from the troublesome early years of his reign when he was on the brink of getting the sack, the Scot is facing up to the most difficult period of his time at United.