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. 

“I looked at the international fixtures for the season and originally, back in February, 18 November was down as an international date,” Sir Alex explained. 

“My son went for that date for his wedding, only for the fixtures to be changed. We found out that, instead of having a free weekend, we are playing Manchester City - it couldn't have been any worse for me. 

“The wedding is in Cape Town so there's nothing I can do. The only consolation is that, with it being a morning kick-off, I will be able to watch the game in South Africa on television.”

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.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, McClaren provided details of his report to a delighted Sir Alex in South Africa. “I spoke to him straight after the game,” said Steve. 

“He said the players made it hard for us by not sticking the ball in the net. He said congratulations and to pass it on to the lads. I left him opening the first bottle of champagne.”

McClaren also applauded the team's performance and singled out new England captain Beckham for special praise. “You can see he is maturing as a player. He knows he is in the spotlight and he is handling that ever so well.”

It was the second time Sir Alex had missed a United match as manager, after Jim Ryan took charge of the team against Middlesbrough in 1998, following a family bereavement. 

In 2010, the club icon also missed a League Cup tie against Scunthorpe United. It was initially reported Sir Alex was scouting upcoming Champions League opponents Valencia, but it was later revealed he was actually assessing our future signing David De Gea.