Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester City, Manchester United, Football, Premier League
Ryan Smart
Topics: Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester City, Manchester United, Football, Premier League
Sir Alex Ferguson's historic Manchester derby prediction has since come back to haunt the former Manchester United manager.
Ferguson was in charge at United between 1986 and 2013, winning 13 English top division titles during that time.
In the 12 years since the Scot's retirement, United have rarely entered a Manchester derby as favourites to beat Manchester City.
That is largely due to two factors, with City's big-spending and dominance of the English league, alongside United's steep decline, contributing to a complete role reversal of how things were when Ferguson was in charge.
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But before their 2008 takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, City had never finished higher than fifth - all the way back in 1992 - in England's top division during Ferguson's time at Old Trafford.
In 1998, they were relegated to the third tier for the first time in their history, although rebounded with back-to-back promotions to the Premier League.
After instantly dropping down to the Second Division, they returned to the top flight a year later and have never been relegated again since.
In 2009, shortly after City's takeover, Ferguson was asked whether the blue side of Manchester would ever be favourites to win the derby against United.
The Scot's response was damning, as he replied: "What time is it? I think it's time for me to leave.
"Not in my lifetime."
Thirteen years on, Ferguson watched on from the directors' box as City defeated United 6-3 at the Etihad Stadium.
In what was Erik ten Hag's first derby as manager, United were outclassed by their rivals and were 4-0 down at one point during the match.
The cameras focused on Ferguson looking less than happy, with Match of the Day commentator Guy Mowbray providing one of the most brutal lines in football history.
"Alex Ferguson was asked in 2009 if City could ever go into a derby as favourites," Mowbray said.
"He said, 'Not in my lifetime'. Now, it's every time."
In 2025, City will once again be favourites - though having lost two out of their three Premier League games to start the season, they are not in an enviable position ahead of the Etihad Stadium clash.
United have picked up one more point so far this season, having lost to Arsenal and drawn to Fulham before a 3-2 win over Burnley prior to the international break.