Why Sir Alex missed the Manchester derby in 2000

It was the first derby since a 3-2 thriller at Maine Road in 1996 and it’s fair to say that four-year gap was a long, long time for supporters of both clubs.

Our respective fortunes contrasted heavily in that period. United had won a Double, a Treble and two further Premier League titles, while City twice suffered relegation and then gained promotion. The fixture was an absolute blockbuster.

The intrigue ramped up another notch when Sir Alex revealed he would miss the match to be at his son's wedding in South Africa. The boss explained he only found out the game would be taking place after the huge personal event had been booked.

Even for the greatest manager in football history, family came first.

Sir Alex delegated managerial responsibility to the capable hands of his assistant Steve McClaren and it continued a high-profile week for him, after he was temporary assistant manager for Peter Taylor's England, in Italy, three days earlier.

McClaren’s Reds ran out 1-0 winners at Maine Road thanks to a David Beckham free-kick in just the second minute, that ultimately proved decisive.

Our legendary no.7 stole the show in Moss Side, overcoming a torrid reception from the booing Blues fans - and a shower of coins thrown in his direction - to show his quality under pressure.

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