He finished just as ineptly 17 minutes later when the hard-working Garry Flitcroft put him through

He finished just as ineptly 17 minutes later, when the hard-working Garry Flitcroft put him through. But the narrow scoreline did lead to growing unease in the all-Red stadium, and Niall Quinn could have levelled twice. He was presented with a clear chance by Gary Pallister’s poor control after half an hour but shot wide. “There are a lot of local players who know the importance of these matches, who are just happy to win.”Such a result never seemed in doubt. There remained a significant gap between the sides, if not the gulf that had been anticipated. “The young players did not have the experience to know whether to penetrate or keep possession,” he said.

With United not performing to their usual high standards, and City having to produce one of their best recent performances simply to rise above the mediocre, the match was one of the poorest derbies in years.Alex Ferguson had noted in the match programme that United often find it difficult to kill teams off but promised there would be “no letting anyone off the hook today” However, he had to return to the theme later. Five of Saturday’s team have been born since then, four locals and the Londoner, David Beckham.Unfortunately it was one of those days when youth was inhibited rather than exuberant. Even though the lack of away support had diluted the derby atmosphere, United’s cluster of local-born starlets were still infected by the inherent tension of these matches.City first lost possession within five seconds and when they went behind, to Paul Scholes’ fourth-minute header, a nearby voice muttered:, “Fetch the abacus” A good book would have been more useful, or a pillow. City have now conceded 13 goals since they last beat Peter Schmeichel and have defeated United only once in the last 21 matches. A generation has grown up since City last won at Old Trafford, 21 years ago, when Denis Law’s back-heel relegated their hosts.

United’s 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on Saturday was their fifth derby win in succession. Now it appears even that consolation is in danger.And no wonder. But his lad is not convinced, because “all his mates at school support United”.
The proudest boast of City fans – almost their only one these days – is that Mancunians follow City, while United fans are long-distance glory- hunters. “I cannot get tickets for United, but if I take him to City he’ll be cursed with supporting them for life.”

In the event he went to Maine Road and saw City score four, a collector’s item indeed, even if it was only against Wycombe Wanderers. The dilemma of a Mancunian parent. “I just do not know what to,” said one father – a lapsed Blue.