Rio Ferdinand reveals Sir Alex Ferguson warning to players after Man City won first Premier League title

Rio Ferdinand has revealed the warning Sir Alex Ferguson gave to his Manchester United players after rivals Man City won their first Premier League title in 2012.

A Wayne Rooney goal at Sunderland had seemingly won the Premier League for United at the Stadium of Light with the Reds waiting for the full-time score at the Etihad Stadium to come through. City were drawing 2-2 with Queen's Park Rangers with time running out.

However, a late strike from Sergio Aguero secured not only the three points for Roberto Mancini's side but also their first title. The goal sparked mocking cheers from the Sunderland faithful as Ferguson's side had to settle for runners-up.

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Speaking about the atmosphere post-match, Ferdinand explained exactly what was going through the heads of the United players in the dressing room. "It was one of the maddest moments," he told William Hill's Stripped Podcast.

"We do our part and win against Sunderland, and the game finishes. Normally when a game finishes, everyone’s game has finished, and we go: ‘What was the score?’ And at that point we think we’ve got it, we’ve won the title.

"And then, all of a sudden, the Sunderland fans start cheering, the news comes round and they’re all cheering. And in that moment, it was like… boy, I wouldn’t give that feeling to anyone.

"Taking something you’ve given like a year’s worth of work to and all the intensity that goes with it… You know what the feeling is like when you win it, it’s there in your hands and then it just falls through. I’ll never forget Sir Alex Ferguson’s team talk after we went in.

"The room is quiet except for a few people swearing and kicking things. Then we’re sitting down with the manager,