As Sir Alex Ferguson, his players and supporters celebrated, it was as if Manchester United had won the Carling Cup, not just reached the final.
That is how much the 3-1 semi final second leg victory against neighbours City meant to them.
Extra time beckoned when Wayne Rooney struck in the second minute of injury time to settle an enthralling encounter, a 4-3 aggregate finish and a Wembley meeting with Aston Villa on February 28.
Ferguson saluted the quality of Rooney, whose goal - his 21st of the season - proved more decisive than the one for his former United teammate Carlos Tevez at the other end.
"I thought Rooney was much better than he was on Saturday [against Hull] and yet he scored four goals on Saturday. His control, leading of the line and penetration was absolutely fantastic. It was a true world-class performance.
"I am proud of the team. It's a derby game, and you like to win your derby games. The fact we scored so late in the game brought a special type of celebration."
Memories of the Premier League encounter in September at Old Trafford between the teams came flooding back. There was similar passion, controversy, incident and a breathless finale.
Neither side held back, Rio Ferdinand was fortunate not to see red for a flailing elbow that caught Tevez in the face, and Craig Bellamy was hit on the back of the head by a coin as objects, including bottles, were thrown at him from the United end as he prepared to take a corner.
In the league game, Javier Garrido - an unused substitute - was struck by a coin in the tunnel and the Football Association are sure to launch an inquiry.
That day too, Michael Owen scored a dramatic winner in stoppage time to clinch a 4-3 victory.
This time it was his England colleague who was the hero, despite having spurned a glorious chance earlier when he bundled wide from close range.
Rooney said: "We were deserved winners. We started well and when we went at them, they didn't know what to do."
After a tense and tight first half, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick put United 2-0 in front with second-half strikes.
Then came Rooney's 73rd minute miss. It could have been costly as three minutes later City swept forward and pulled a goal back to level the tie on aggregate.
Emmanuel Adebayor - back from the Africa Cup of Nations with Togo where rebels shot and killed three members of his team's travelling party - released Craig Bellamy and his left-wing cross was finished with a clever flick by Tevez with his back to goal.
At this point, Roberto Mancini, the City manager, felt his side could win the tie in normal time.
"I thought we could score another goal. I absolutely did not think we would concede in the last minute," he said.
"I am sorry for my players and supporters because we have not made the final, but this is football and sometimes when you make mistakes, you lose."
He is now hoping City can bounce back quickly. With a fifth-round tie against Stoke to come, Mancini targeted the FA Cup and a top four finish in the league.
And why not? They might have been second-best in terms of chances, but they matched United for effort and endeavour and without key players like Kolo Toure, Joleon Lescott and Wayne Bridge.
Despite the constant jeers, Tevez was tireless in the lone role up front and the City keeper Shay Given deserved better too. He made a fantastic point-blank save to keep out a Darren Fletcher header.
But, from the resulting corner, Giggs curled in a cross from the left and an unmarked Rooney planted the header past Given.
Mancini said: "Next time we will have to pay more attention because Wayne Rooney is one of the best strikers in the world. If you give him a chance to score he will take it. I am very disappointed because, apart from 10 minutes, we played very well.
"For me, we played better than the first leg at home. But the Carling Cup is finished now. We must keep our heads held high and win the FA Cup. It's important we win on Sunday [against Portsmouth] because we want to stay at the top.
"Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor are back with us now and Joleon Lescott is nearly fit. With those players I think it is possible for us to get into the top four."
The Brazilian Robinho, who was left out of the squad on Wednesday, is unlikely to play a part as a move to Santos could be finalised before the weekend.
Mancini added: "It is possible that he will go to play for Santos or another team, so we preferred not to risk him."
City could have a new addition too with the arrival of Adam Johnson, the talented Middlesbrough winger.
United might not need to strengthen further in the transfer window. They showed once more that they still possess the quality to overcome their rivals when it matters most and remain very much in the frame for the big prizes.
akhan@thenational.ae
The specs
Engine: Turbocharged four-cylinder 2.7-litre
Power: 325hp
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh189,700
On sale: now
The specs: 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman
Price, base / as tested Dh222,500 / Dh296,870
Engine 2.0L, flat four-cylinder
Transmission Seven-speed PDK
Power 300hp @ 6,500rpm
Torque 380hp @ 1,950rpm
Fuel economy, combined 6.9L / 100km
What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
If you go
The flights
The closest international airport for those travelling from the UAE is Denver, Colorado. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from the UAE via London from Dh3,700 return, including taxes. From there, transfers can be arranged to the ranch or it’s a seven-hour drive. Alternatively, take an internal flight to the counties of Cody, Casper, or Billings
The stay
Red Reflet offers a series of packages, with prices varying depending on season. All meals and activities are included, with prices starting from US$2,218 (Dh7,150) per person for a minimum stay of three nights, including taxes. For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
More from Aya Iskandarani
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
More coverage from the Future Forum
Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cp%3EHigh%20fever%20(40%C2%B0C%2F104%C2%B0F)%3Cbr%3ESevere%20headache%3Cbr%3EPain%20behind%20the%20eyes%3Cbr%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3Cbr%3ENausea%3Cbr%3EVomiting%3Cbr%3ESwollen%20glands%3Cbr%3ERash%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
TOP%2010%20MOST%20POLLUTED%20CITIES
%3Cp%3E1.%20Bhiwadi%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Ghaziabad%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Hotan%2C%20China%0D%3Cbr%3E4.%20Delhi%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E5.%20Jaunpur%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E6.%20Faisalabad%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E7.%20Noida%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E8.%20Bahawalpur%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E9.%20Peshawar%2C%20Pakistan%0D%3Cbr%3E10.%20Bagpat%2C%20India%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20IQAir%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
The story of Edge
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, established Edge in 2019.
It brought together 25 state-owned and independent companies specialising in weapons systems, cyber protection and electronic warfare.
Edge has an annual revenue of $5 billion and employs more than 12,000 people.
Some of the companies include Nimr, a maker of armoured vehicles, Caracal, which manufactures guns and ammunitions company, Lahab
The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
More on animal trafficking
Five personal finance podcasts from The National
To help you get started, tune into these Pocketful of Dirham episodes
·
Balance is essential to happiness, health and wealth
·
What is a portfolio stress test?
·
What are NFTs and why are auction houses interested?
·
How gamers are getting rich by earning cryptocurrencies
·
Should you buy or rent a home in the UAE?
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Profile of Hala Insurance
Date Started: September 2018
Founders: Walid and Karim Dib
Based: Abu Dhabi
Employees: Nine
Amount raised: $1.2 million
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, AB Accelerator, 500 Startups, private backers
The specs: McLaren 600LT
Price, base: Dh914,000
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 600hp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 620Nm @ 5,500rpm
Fuel economy 12.2.L / 100km
TUESDAY'S ORDER OF PLAY
Centre Court
Starting at 2pm:
Malin Cilic (CRO) v Benoit Paire (FRA) [8]
Not before 4pm:
Dan Evans (GBR) v Fabio Fogini (ITA) [4]
Not before 7pm:
Pablo Carreno Busta (SPA) v Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) [2]
Roberto Bautista Agut (SPA) [5] v Jan-Lennard Struff (GER)
Court One
Starting at 2pm
Prajnesh Gunneswaran (IND) v Dennis Novak (AUT)
Joao Sousa (POR) v Filip Krajinovic (SRB)
Not before 5pm:
Rajeev Ram (USA) and Joe Salisbury (GBR) [1] v Marin Cilic v Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Nikoloz Basilashvili v Ricardas Berankis (LTU)
MADAME%20WEB
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20S.J.%20Clarkson%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Dakota%20Johnson%2C%20Tahar%20Rahim%2C%20Sydney%20Sweeney%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A