Sir Alex Ferguson was completely ‘distraught’ when controversial moment threatened to ruin his Man United farewell season

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Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United in 2013 after winning an unprecedented 20th English top-flight title.

As promised, Sir Alex Ferguson knocked Liverpool “off their perch” by leading Manchester United to be the most successful title-winning side in England.

United’s trophy cabinet is full of honours won by Ferguson’s legendary teams over his 27 years as manager at Old Trafford.

The Premier League title won in 2013 remains United’s last league title, although Ruben Amorim wants to win the Premier League as United boss.

Likewise, United’s last Champions League triumph came in 2008 under Ferguson despite his determination to win another European title before his retirement in 2013.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s disastrous final Champions League game

Ferguson’s last Champions League campaign in 2013 saw United finish top of Group H, which included Galatasaray, CFR Cluj and Braga.

United faced Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid side in the Round of 16, which saw Cristiano Ronaldo return to Old Trafford following his £80m exit in 2009.

Following a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu, United crashed out of the Champions League at Old Trafford with Ronaldo scoring in a 2-1 win for Madrid.

But Ferguson and his players were left seething at the red card shown to Nani by referee Cuneyt Cakir which flipped the momentum of the match in Madrid’s favour.

The incident took place exactly 12 years ago today in what ended up being Ferguson’s final ever Champions League game as manager.

Sir Alex Ferguson too ‘distraught’ to speak after Nani red card

After losing to Madrid, it was assistant manager Mike Phelan who answered questions from the press.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Phelan said Ferguson was “in no fit state” to talk as he was “distraught” over the red card and result.

“The manager is distraught. That’s why I am talking. I don’t think the manager is in any fit state to talk to anyone about the decision,” Phelan said.

Mourinho admitted after the full-time whistle that his Madrid side were fortunate, saying “the best team lost”.

The Portuguese manager, who went on to win the Europa League at United, added: “I doubt with 11 against 11 we could win the match.”

READ MORE: Paul Scholes argues Ruben Amorim is unwilling to make one ultimate sacrifice that Sir Alex Ferguson did at Man Utd

Since retiring, Ferguson claims his United side should have won more European trophies.

United lost out in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals to Barcelona, but Ferguson did lift two Champions League trophies during his time at United – including the 1999 title that formed part of a historic treble.