It was Manchester United's followers who rocked to "Champions of England, champions of Europe" 15 years ago. The only section singing it at Old Trafford on Sunday was stood in the away section. "Old Trafford is falling down", "Champions again, ole, ole, ole", "City won three in a row" and "Champions of Europe - we know what we are" were among the City chants that will have stung regulars at Old Trafford.
The stoppage-time signalled the start of more "ole"s. "Mind the gap" was another. The gap is somehow only nine points but City and United are such distant poles apart that they practically play different sports. READ MORE: United player ratings from disastrous derby READ MORE: United vs City reaction from Old Trafford United were, as ever, introduced as "the greatest football club in the world" by stadium compere Alan Keegan.
Their followers would rather have one of the billings that prefix City. So often in the past decade, City have rocked up at M16 and coasted to victory.
This derby victory can be added to those from 2014, 2019 and 2021. Erik ten Hag, heckled with cries of "Ten Hag is a f-----g clown", is doubting himself weekly.