‘Not in my lifetime’ – Sir Alex Ferguson harassed by City fans after derby loss

Sir Alex Ferguson cut a miserable figure from the Etihad director’s box after Manchester United were on the wrong end against Manchester City.

The Blues thumped the Red Devils 6-3 at the Etihad on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s rampant team led 4-0 at the break thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.

After Foden’s second strike, the camera panned to a distraught-looking Ferguson, who was watching on from the stands and witness Pep Guardiola’s side dismantle Erik ten Hag’s team in the latest Manchester derby.

What do you think is going through Sir Alex Ferguson mind at this moment? #MCIMUN pic.twitter.com/Yv0KheMBGY

— Frank Khalid (@FrankKhalidUK) October 2, 2022

By the time the second half had started there had already been a mass exodus in the away end, with many not willing to stay for the second 45.

Man United replied with three goals in the second-half, but still lost 6-3 as their league win streak comes to an end.

What was said on MOTD 2 when Sir Alex Ferguson appeared?

Mowbray said: “Manchester City have four before half-time. The football is breathtaking.

“There are big gaps appearing in the away end. There are people leaving the away end. They’re not going for half-time refreshment here. They’re going to drown their sorrows elsewhere.

“Sir Alex Ferguson was asked in 2009 if City could ever go into a derby as favourites. He said ‘not in my lifetime’… now it’s every time.”

As Mowbray said on commentary, Ferguson did indeed say “not in my lifetime” back in September 2009 after being asked if United would ever go into a Manchester derby as underdogs.

Per The Independent’s Ian Herbert, Ferguson waited at least 15 seconds before responding to the press conference question.

“What time is it?” Ferguson eventually replied. “I think it is time for me to leave.”

As he rose to his feet, Ferguson then added: “Not in my lifetime.”

Thirteen years later and the power-shift that seemed impossible in Ferguson’s eyes is now complete.

Sir Alex Ferguson harassed by City fans after derby loss