Ferguson: Derby loss ´my worst result´

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson described Sunday's 6-1 rout at the hands of Manchester City as 'the worst result in my history, ever.'

After going 1-0 up through Mario Balotelli in the first half, City took full advantage of Jonny Evans' 47th-minute red card. They breached a woeful United defence five more times with Balotelli scoring a second, Edin Dzeko adding two of his own and Sergio Aguero and David Silva also on target. Ferguson pulled no punches after the match.

"It was our worst ever day," Ferguson said.
"It's the worst result in my history, ever. Even as a player I don't think I ever lost 6-1. That's challenge for me too."
"I can't believe the scoreline. The first goal was a blow for sure but it was retrievable at 1-0."

"The sending off was a killer for us. We kept attacking when we went 4-1 down and we should have just said: 'We've had our
day'.''

Ferguson was particularly frustrated with some of his senior players for allowing United to continue playing open football with a man down.

"We just kept attacking. They were attacking three versus two. It was crazy football," he said.

The scale of the defeat did concern Ferguson, though, as he looked ahead to the potential importance of goal difference as the season progresses.

"What did concern me was the goals for and against. Goal difference may count. Last year it was in our favour, most years it is in our favour ... this time maybe not."

City boss Roberto Mancini said that the scoreline was not the most important factor but the win that takes them five points clear at the top.

"I think that after the sending off it was easier but we were playing very well. For the first 25 minutes United played well but they didn’t have more chances," Mancini told Sky Sports.

"It's good but I think that it’s not important 6-1 (the scoreline), it's important that we beat a fantastic team."
"This is normal when you play at Old Trafford because United are a strong team."

The former Inter coach also praised Balotelli. "I am happy for him because he scored two important goals, because he played well because he was serious on the pitch," he said.

"I'll tell you in three or four weeks (about the title race) but I think it is important for our confidence because it isn’t easy to come here and beat United."

"I have more respect for United now because after the sending off they continued to play to try and score I think this is an incredible mentality."

"If we want to improve and to arrive at the top like them, we should improve in this mentality."
"It's an important three points because we have one game less and we played here. I don't think there will be many teams that come here to win."