Sir Alex Ferguson has described next week's Manchester derby as the most important match of his entire career, following Manchester United's dramatic 4-4 draw with Everton at Old Trafford. The result means United now trail Manchester City on goal difference with just two games remaining, making the April 30 encounter at the Etihad Stadium a potential title decider.
United led 4-2 with less than 20 minutes remaining after goals from Wayne Rooney (2), Danny Welbeck, and Nani, but Everton fought back through Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar to snatch a point. Ferguson admitted the collapse was a 'travesty' and criticised his side's defending, saying the goals conceded were 'really soft'.
'We've given them the initiative, there is no doubt about that,' Ferguson said of City. 'It makes the game at the Etihad a really important game. A decider really. There has been an expectancy from City that it could be their decider, but it's our decider too.'
Everton manager David Moyes, whose side had lost to Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final eight days earlier, expressed pride in his team's character. 'I am really disappointed people would question their character. It is a bit insulting,' he said, though he conceded his side had luck when Patrice Evra hit the post before the late equaliser.
Moyes also criticised referee Mike Jones for not stopping play when Pienaar required treatment before United's second goal, but ultimately celebrated the result. 'We have reminded people that we are still here,' he said.
