Nani: Lack of focus to blame

Nani has admitted a lack of concentration was to blame for pitching Manchester United into the most important derby clash of Alex Ferguson’s career at the Etihad Stadium next Monday.

Ten minutes from time at Old Trafford on Sunday most United fans were dreaming of the elation at retaining their crown at the home of those troublesome “noisy neighbours”, which would have been the prize for beating Manchester City.

Now, barring improbably large victories in their final two games, Ferguson and his players know that, not only will they surrender top spot if they lose, there will be nothing they can do to alter the situation should City win their final two games.