[g]lobe Trekker: October 2011

Manchester City gave Sir Alex Ferguson the worst day of his football life as they stormed Old Trafford to thrash neighbours United 6-1 in the Barclays Premier League.

On an astonishing afternoon which Ferguson admitted left him ‘shattered’, Roberto Mancini’s rampant team inflicted United’s biggest home defeat since 1955 — and equal biggest since 1927 — as they tore their opponents apart to go five points clear at the top.

The day was a triumph for Mancini and City forward Mario Balotelli, who recovered from setting his house on fire with fireworks early on Saturday to score the decisive opening two goals.

Plenty to ponder: Sir Alex Ferguson was left to reflect on a devastating defeat

Game for a laugh: City manager Roberto Mancini enjoys his side's thrilling performance

Let's all do the Poznan: City fans celebrate their stunning win at the home of their rivals

Ferguson said: ‘It was our worst ever day. It’s the worst result in my history, ever. Even as a player I don’t think I ever lost 6-1. I can’t believe the scoreline.’

Ferguson was hosting a function for his long-serving staff last night in recognition of his 25 years at the club, but he was in no mood for a party.

‘I’m shattered. It’s an incredible disappointment,’ he said.

Shellshocked: United's players were unable to contain a superb City performance

Bad day at the office: Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea conceded six goals

Dry your eyes, mate: A United fans sits dejected at the end of a dreadful match for his team

City led 1-0 at half-time thanks to Balotelli, who celebrated by revealing a T-shirt that said: ‘Why Always Me?’

The turning point came early in the second period, though, when United defender Jonny Evans was sent off. After that City ran away with the game and two goals in added time ensured United suffered their worst home defeat since City thumped them 5-0 in 1955, and equal worst since a 7-1 trouncing by Newcastle in 1927.

Lighting the fuse: Mario Balotelli strikes the ball towards the bottom corner of United's goal

No stopping that: United goalkeeper David De Gea attempts to get across but can't prevent the shot going in

Read all about it: Balotelli (left) celebrates by revealing a t-shirt that read 'why always me?'

Smells like team spirit: The Italian striker's City team-mates mob him after his opening goal

Mancini said: ‘We’ve beaten United away and not many teams do that. I’m happy not because of the 6-1 scoreline — that is important for the supporters and the goals column — I’m more happy for the three points.

‘I don’t know what happened on Friday. The most important thing was that Mario and his friend were OK. He is in a hotel now. Today Mario played very well. If we want to talk about Mario we can put him in the first five players in the world.

‘But he is young and at his age he can make some mistakes.

Seeing red: United defender Jonny Evans (right) is sent off by Mark Clattenburg after fouling Balotelli

‘What did his T-shirt say? Well, that is Mario. But that is why he is so popular with the supporters because he is crazy.

‘But I love him because he is a good guy. I hope the day arrives that he changes his mind completely. When he does that he will become one of the best three players in the world, like Messi, like Ronaldo.’

Having a ball: Argentina striker Aguero celebrates his strike in front of a stunned Old Trafford crowd

Silva service: David Silva celebrates after scoring City's fifth goal to cap another outstanding show

City led 3-0 with 10 minutes left but a goal from Darren Fletcher prompted United to push forward.

Ferguson, who left captain Nemanja Vidic in the stands, said: ‘The first goal was a blow, but that’s retrievable. The sending-off was the killer blow. It’s a perfect result for us to react to because there is a lot of embarrassment in the dressing room which will make an impact.’