Manchester City inflicted Manchester United’s worst home defeat since February 1955 as they thrashed the champions in ruthless fashion to go five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
City were also the victors on that occasion 56 years ago, winning 5-0, but this visit was portrayed as a measure of their progress against the 19-time champions.
And Roberto Mancini’s men could not have delivered a more emphatic statement as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were humiliated.
It was the first time United had conceded six goals at Old Trafford since 1930, when Huddersfield won 6-0 and Newcastle 7-4 within four days of each other.
City led just 1-0 at half-time, but the second half was completely one-sided and the eventual margin of victory could have been even more convincing.
To increase United’s pain, this was their first home defeat in any competition since April 2010, when they lost to Chelsea – but even that defeat, which effectively cost them the title, may not turn out to have the same long-term significance as this heavy beating. (BBC)
