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.

“I would prefer to be drinking his fine wine with a point because now it is going to taste like vinegar,” said the Wolves manager.

“We should have got something on our performance.

“But that doesn’t count for anything. I am a hard-nosed professional. I want to win.

“I am not interested in playing well and getting beaten.”

Victory means United are now unbeaten in 24 games and are on the longest run without a defeat from the start of the season during Ferguson’s entire reign.

Their next challenge sees them face rivals City.

“Derby games are fantastic,” said John O’Shea. “We couldn’t be going into it on a bigger high.”