Alex Ferguson had spent big in the summer bringing in new recruits Neil Webb, Paul Ince, Gary Pallister and Danny Wallace to bolster his team at Old Trafford . After a slow start to the season for both Manchester teams, the bookies had the Reds as favourites for this Manchester derby in back in September 1989.

However, the game didn’t go quite go to script and Mel Machin’s youthful City side blasted United aside in a famous 5-1 victory at Maine Road. A brace from David Oldfield and one a piece for Trevor Morley, Ian Bishop, Andy Hinchcliffe. The only bright spark for United fans came when Mark Hughes scored a spectacular scissor kick just after half time but it was a day to forget for Fergie and his United team.