Shocking. Humiliating. Humbling. There are many words to describe the events that unfolded at Old Trafford on Sunday in the match between Manchester United and Manchester City, but "predictable" is not one of them.

Roberto Mancini's men stormed into the Red Devils' fortress and beat their neighbors 6-1. The result was Manchester United's worst home loss since the 1930-31 season.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson went so far as to call it, "the worst result in my history, ever."

Mario Balotelli opened the scoring for the visitors on 22 minutes, with a low shot that beat United goalkeeper David De Gea at his left post. The striker had been in the news after burning down part of his rented Manchester house while setting off fireworks through a bathroom window. 

The 21-year-old made light of the incident by revealing an undershirt after the goal with the words, “Why Always Me?” written across the front.

City's next five goals came after United defender Jonny Evans was sent off after pulled back the arm of Balotelli during a goal-scoring opportunity two minutes after halftime. Referee Mark Clattenburg ruled that Evans was the last defender and showed the Northern Ireland international a straight red card.

Balotelli got his second goal in the 60th minute when he rushed in front of De Gea's net, and connected on James Milner's cross. The play was created with a brilliant pass from David Silva that carved open the United defense.

United kept pressing despite being a man down, and were beaten on a similar play in the 60th minute when Sergio Aguero easily converted a Micah Richards cross right in front of De Gea.

United's Darren Fletcher got a goal back for the hosts in the 81st, but after that the rout was well and truly on as the heads of United players dropped in utter disbelief.

Edin Dzeko, who had come on for Balotelli, found space in front of goal in the 89th after a free kick, and knocked in a ball rom Jolean Lesott.

The playmaker Silva got a goal of his own when he slid the ball through De Gea’s legs during a counter-attack in injury time.  He then set-up Dzeko a minute later, who ot in behind United defenders Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones to score City’s remarkable sixth.

After the game, Mancini hailed the controversial Balotelli. "If we want to talk about Mario the football player, we can put him in the first five players in the world," Mancini said.

The result sends City five points clear of their rivals at the top of the table, and could signal a power shift in the Premier League title race. If Mancini can keep all the superstar egos on his team in check, then the blue half of Manchester might be celebrating in May for a change.

Watch the extended highlights below:

                     

 

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