Last-gasp defeat leaves sour taste for Big Mick

MICK McCARTHY admitted the vintage post-match drink served up by Alex Ferguson on Saturday night tasted more like vinegar after Manchester United had completed another of their great escapes.

As late victories have been such a hallmark of Ferguson’s time in charge, Park Ji-sung’s winner in the second minute of stoppage time against Wolves at Old Trafford was a fitting way to celebrate the Scot’s 24th anniversary as United boss.

The effort clinched a 2-1 win for the hosts when it had seemed Wolves were more likely to find a winner once Red Devils’ old-boy Sylvan Ebanks-Blake had levelled Park’s first-half opener. McCarthy’s frustration was obvious, both before and long after the final whistle, leaving him to accept Ferguson’s famed hospitality through gritted teeth.