Fergie: We gave City the title

Towards the end of the 2011-12 season, Manchester United were in good shape to win the title. But in the final few weeks of the season, they lost to Wigan, drew with Everton and were then beaten by Manchester City.

Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken to ESPN about what that moment was like and talked about the impact this had on United breezing their way to the title the following season.

We were champions for 30 seconds. You’ve got to understand that these are human beings and they are hurting as much as anyone, as much as I am. In terms of leading them and bringing our personality into the room, in terms of dealing with it, they have got to represent themselves and the club properly. So I said to them in the dressing room that night: ‘There’s nothing to be ashamed of; you were fantastic. Walk out that door and tell everyone you’re going to win the league next year. That’s your job’.

All the directors were there and it was a devastating moment; it was incredible. You have to say we did throw the league away. Hands up, we all know we’re responsible for throwing the league away but, nonetheless, we lost it and you have to deal with that and the players’ attitude was good. They walked out that dressing room with their blazer and flannels on, they represented the club in the proper way and I think everyone would be proud of them because they acted that way.