- Manchester United interim head coach ruminates on 2012
- Aguero’s famous goal
- Carrick edges closer to the hot seat
Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick has reflected on the agony of the 2011/12 title race, when Sergio Aguero’s last-gasp strike against Queens Park Rangers tore the Premier League crown away from United on the final day of the season.
For United supporters, it remains one of football’s most haunting moments. It marked the first title race between the two Manchester clubs since 1968, when City had also edged past the Reds to lift the league crown.
United stumbled at the worst possible moment, falling to defeats against West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland, allowing City to climb two points clear and secure their first league title in 31 years.
The Red Devils, however, were fighting on two fronts, with much of Matt Busby’s focus fixed on the European Cup. That gamble ultimately delivered.
Just weeks later, United became the first English club to conquer Europe’s grandest stage, dismantling Benfica 4-1 at Wembley to lift the European Cup and carve their names into football history.
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“Sticks in the memory”
In the pre-match press conference as United gear up to face Sunderland on 9 May, Carrick was asked his thoughts on the Aguero goal from 14 years prior.
“Yeah, I can remember that. I’ve not forgotten it. Obviously, it was a one-off kind of feeling and it wasn’t during the game. It wasn’t until after the game. I was kind of didn’t really know exactly where the land was lying at that point.”
He added:
“So it wasn’t until we kind of walked towards the edge of the pitch, and we had to deal with what was thrown at us, so, um, it’s in the past, you know, but, yeah, it definitely sticks in the memory.”
It is a memory that sticks in every United fan’s mind. United had already done their job at the Stadium of Light. A Wayne Rooney header secured a 1-0 victory over Sunderland, leaving Sir Alex Ferguson’s side waiting for news from the Etihad.
And for a brief moment, the title sat in United’s hands. Despite fighting relegation themselves, QPR pushed City to the brink, with Djibril Cisse and Jamie Mackie stunning the Etihad by firing the London side into a 2-1 lead in the 66th minute.
Elsewhere, Bolton Wanderers battled Stoke City, knowing a QPR defeat would send them down instead. But football rarely writes kind endings.
After John Walters equalised for Stoke, QPR became more lax, allowing City to flood forward relentlessly. Former City players Nedum Onuoha, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Joey Barton all featured for QPR that afternoon, though Barton spent most of it auditioning for a wrestling career after his infamous red card.
Edin Dzeko eventually dragged City level in the 92nd minute. Then came the moment every United fan still hears in the back of their mind.
Mario Balotelli nudged the ball into Aguero’s path. And the title evaporated beyond United’s eyes.
Aguero’s finish in the 94th minute ripped what would have been United’s 20th league title away from them and handed City their first championship in 44 years.
