For Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson, 2012 is up there with some of the club's worst years under the Scot. 1989, replete with a 5-1 loss at Manchester City and that banner could have been the end of Ferguson after three years and no trophies at Old Trafford. 1995 included losing the league on the final day, an FA Cup final loss and the sale of Mark Hughes, Paul Ince and Andrei Kanchelskis. How about 2005? The Glazer family completed its takeover of the club, the football was dire, Roy Keane left and United were eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage. 2012's awfulness for Reds hinged on one moment deep into stoppage-time as City clutched the most extraordinary title win since 1989.
With no Champions League football and an early but chastening exit to Liverpool in the FA Cup behind them (this would also become the first year United have not played at Wembley in the years it has hosted football matches since 1991), United went into the final day of the Premier League season as underdogs. On Easter Sunday, the Reds were eight points clear with six games remaining but surrendered feebly at Wigan three days later before throwing away a two-goal lead at home to draw 4-4 with Everton the following week. City meanwhile had won all their games since their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on 8 April and captain Vincent Kompany settled a pivotal Manchester derby in the clubs' antepenultimate league fixture, enabling the Blues to leapfrog United by virtue of their superior goal difference.
Premier League Final Day Clockwatch
Manchester City supporters hold a home-m(01 of41)
Manchester City supporters hold a home-made trophy banner aloft before the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United's English striker Wayn(02 of41)
Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney (R) scores the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north-east England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United's English striker Wayn(03 of41)
Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north-east England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League(04 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Goalkeeper Paddy Kenny of QPR deflects the shot from Pablo Zabaleta (C) of Manchester City into his own net for the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City's supporters celebrates (05 of41)
Manchester City's supporters celebrates after Argentinian defender Pablo Zabaleta scores the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live†services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Queens Park Rangers' French striker Djib(06 of41)
Queens Park Rangers' French striker Djibril Cisse celebrates scoring his goal with team-mates during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Sunderland v Manchester United - Premier League(07 of41)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Manchester United fans celebrate hearing news of a goal by QPR at Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on May 13, 2012 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United's English midfielder P(08 of41)
Manchester United's English midfielder Paul Scholes reacts during the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north-east England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City's Argentinian striker Ca(09 of41)
Manchester City's Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez holds his face after an incident with Queens Park Rangers' English midfielder Joey Barton (not pictured) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Queens Park Rangers' English midfielder (10 of41)
Queens Park Rangers' English midfielder Joey Barton (2nd R) is helped off the field by Manchester City substitute Micah Richards (R) after being sent off by referee Mike Dean (not pictured) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Queens Park Rangers' English defender An(11 of41)
Queens Park Rangers' English defender Anton Ferdinand (C) tries to calm Manchester City's Argentinian strikers Carlos Tevez (L) and Sergio Aguero (R) after an incident with QPR's Joey Barton (not pictured) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Queens Park Rangers' Scottish striker Ja(12 of41)
Queens Park Rangers' Scottish striker Jamie Mackie (3rd L) celebrates scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City's Bosnian striker Edin D(13 of41)
Manchester City's Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko (R) runs back to the half-way line after scoring his goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Sunderland v Manchester United - Premier League(14 of41)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 13: A Manchester United fan reacts to hearing news of QPR scoring at Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on May 13, 2012 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United's Scottish manager Sir(15 of41)
Manchester United's Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates at the final whistle after their 1-0 victory in the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north-east England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City's Argentinian striker Se(16 of41)
Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (3rd R) scores their late winning goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. Manchester City won the game 3-2 to secure their first title since 1968. This is the first time that the Premier league title has been decided on goal-difference, Manchester City and Manchester United both finishing on 89 points. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City's Argentinian striker Se(17 of41)
Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (R) celebrates his late winning goal with team-mates during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. Manchester City won the game 3-2 to secure their first title since 1968. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Sunderland v Manchester United - Premier League(18 of41)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Manchester United fans react to news from Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on May 13, 2012 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League(19 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Roberto Mancini the manager of Manchester City celebrates winning the title as the final whistle blows during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United's Scottish manager Sir(20 of41)
Manchester United's Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson (R) reacts after hearing the Manchester City score after the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north-east England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League(21 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Goalkeeper Joe Hart of Manchester City celebrates winning the title as the final whistle blows during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City's Argentinian striker Se(22 of41)
Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (R) celebrates his late winning goal with team-mates during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. Manchester City won the game 3-2 to secure their first title since 1968. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
**Correction to game** Manchester United(23 of41)
**Correction to game** Manchester United's English defender Phil Jones (3rd L) reacts after hearing the Manchester City score after the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north-east England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City's players and supporters(24 of41)
Manchester City's players and supporters celebrate on the pitch after their 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers in the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. Manchester City won the game 3-2 to secure their first title since 1968. This is the first time that the Premier league title has been decided on goal-difference, Manchester City and Manchester United both finishing on 89 points. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United's English defender Phi(25 of41)
Manchester United's English defender Phil Jones (3rd L) reacts after hearing the Manchester City score after the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north-east England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City's supporters celebrate o(26 of41)
Manchester City's supporters celebrate on the pitch after their team's 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers in the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. Manchester City won the game 3-2 to secure their first title since 1968. This is the first time that the Premier league title has been decided on goal-difference, Manchester City and Manchester United both finishing on 89 points. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Sunderland v Manchester United - Premier League(27 of41)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Phil Jones and Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United look dejected after the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on May 13, 2012 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City's supporters celebrate o(28 of41)
Manchester City's supporters celebrate on the pitch after their team's 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers in the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. Manchester City won the game 3-2 to secure their first title since 1968. This is the first time that the Premier league title has been decided on goal-difference, Manchester City and Manchester United both finishing on 89 points. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United's English striker Wayn(29 of41)
Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney (L), Welsh midfielder Ryan Giggs (2nd R) and Northern Irish defender Jonny Evans (R) applaud their supporters after the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north-east England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League(30 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Manchester City fans celebrate as dejected goalkeeper Paddy Kenny of QPR looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sunderland v Manchester United - Premier League(31 of41)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Sunderland fans celebrate a goal by Manchester City by doing a Poznan during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on May 13, 2012 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A Manchester United fan reacts after the(32 of41)
A Manchester United fan reacts after the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north-east England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City's supporters celebrate o(33 of41)
Manchester City's supporters celebrate on the pitch after their team's 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers in the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. Manchester City won the game 3-2 to secure their first title since 1968. This is the first time that the Premier league title has been decided on goal-difference, Manchester City and Manchester United both finishing on 89 points. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
A Manchester United fan reacts after the(34 of41)
A Manchester United fan reacts after the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north-east England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City's supporters celebrate a(35 of41)
Manchester City's supporters celebrate after their team's 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers in the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. Manchester City won the game 3-2 to secure their first title since 1968. This is the first time that the Premier league title has been decided on goal-difference, Manchester City and Manchester United both finishing on 89 points. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
A Manchester United fan reacts after the(36 of41)
A Manchester United fan reacts after the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north-east England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League(37 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Former Manchester City players Tony Book (L) and Mike Summerbee (R) carry out the trophy for the presentation following the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League(38 of41)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: The counter measuring how many years it is since Manchester City has won the League title is reset to zero following the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A Manchester United fan reacts after the(39 of41)
A Manchester United fan reacts after the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north-east England on May 13, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Sunderland v Manchester United - Premier League(40 of41)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Signage for the potential trophy presentation to Manchester United is stored before the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on May 13, 2012 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester City's Belgian captain Vincen(41 of41)
Manchester City's Belgian captain Vincent Kompany lifts the Premier league trophy after their 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers in the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. Manchester City won the game 3-2 to secure their first title since 1968. This is the first time that the Premier league title has been decided on goal-difference, Manchester City and Manchester United both finishing on 89 points. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Six days later City edged out Newcastle 2-0 while United swatted Swansea by the same scoreline ahead of the final day. Ferguson's side travelled to Sunderland while City hosted QPR, fighting to avoid relegation but winless on the road all season. The winners of the 114th league champions of England seemed like a fait accompli. But what unfolded was an extraordinary set of events with one possible and unlikely comeback eventually trounced by one of the greatest comebacks.
- 20 mins: Wayne Rooney sends United two points clear at the top by giving the Reds the lead at Sunderland.
- 39 mins: Nervous silence turns to bedlam at Eastlands as Pablo Zabaleta puts City ahead to put them back on top on goal difference.
- 48 mins: Djibril Cisse stuns City to level for QPR as Ferguson's side go two points clear with 42 minutes of normal time to remaining.
- 66 mins: After Joey Barton is sent off for QPR, Jamie Mackie sensationally puts the Rs ahead. United are now three points clear with 24 minutes of normal time remaining.
- 90 + 2 mins: Edin Džeko levels for City but United are still leading and remain two points clear with just moments left.
- 90 + 3 mins: Howard Webb blows the final whistle at the Stadium of Light. United are less than three minutes away from winning their 20th title.
- 90 + 4 mins: Sergio Agüero pounces to complete a remarkable stoppage-time comeback for City to win the club its first league title since 1968.