Manchester United will soon return to the Stadium of Light for a Premier League clash with Sunderland, a ground that may stir resentment among fans. Sir Alex Ferguson was left seething when Sunderland supporters performed the 'Poznan' celebration as Manchester City pipped United to the league title in 2012.
The 2012 Title Decider
Nearly 14 years ago, United made the identical journey to Wearside for a dramatic top-flight finale, aiming to clinch a 20th league championship. They required fierce rivals City to stumble against Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium. United believed they had completed the task with a 1-0 victory, Wayne Rooney netting the crucial goal in the 20th minute. City were trailing 2-1 to QPR when United's match concluded.
Ferguson and his squad waited nervously on the pitch, while home and away supporters stayed in their seats. But Sergio Aguero turned the City game on its head. The Argentine forward executed a neat one-two with Mario Balotelli before smashing home to make it 3-2. Jubilation swept 137 miles from the north west to the north east, as Sunderland supporters inside the Stadium of Light erupted in delight.
The Poznan Celebration
As a crestfallen Ferguson and his players trudged off the pitch, a number of Sunderland fans launched into the 'Poznan', a celebratory ritual where supporters interlock arms, turn their backs to the pitch, and bounce up and down in unison. The craze was introduced to British shores by approximately 6,000 Lech Poznan supporters during a Europa League group-stage visit to the Etihad two years prior. City gleefully adopted it during their 3-1 victory. Yet Sunderland's deployment felt like a vindictive gesture, leaving Ferguson nursing a bitter sense of grievance.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Ferguson said: "I'd like to say on behalf of Manchester United, congratulations to our neighbours. It's a fantastic achievement to win the Premier League." At the end-of-season awards ceremony, he added: "I'm an absolute dinosaur but what I am... I'm a winner. I said to the players yesterday: 'Those Sunderland fans that were cheering for City, remember the day. We won't forget that, I'm telling you.'"
Settling the Score
United have the chance to settle the score this weekend. Having secured a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign, they could complete the double over the Black Cats. Michael Carrick has proved transformative since taking charge on an interim basis in January, with United occupying third place in the league table going into their final three fixtures.
