Fergie: We have handed them initiative

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is so well-versed in footballing dramas that he has coined phrases that have entered the sporting lexicon.

“Squeaky bum time” and “Football, bloody hell” are just two of the phrases associated with the veteran manager who is currently competing for what would be United’s 20th league title.

But, with the Manchester derby at City’s Etihad Stadium a week today now taking on the aspect of a de facto title decider, even Ferguson admits the game will take on a new, heightened significance for him.