Sir Alex Ferguson has previous form when it comes to making substitutions to inspire dramatic comebacks.
And while nothing will ever match the impact Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had on the 1999 Champions League final, Carlos Tevez’s introduction against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening must surely run it close.
The Argentinian striker may not have found the net, but his work-rate and link-up play with his fellow forwards was nothing short of breathtaking.
“In the first half we were playing far too slowly,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “But bringing on Carlos Tevez enthused everyone, the fans included. He won the game for us. He turned the game… although obviously everyone played their part.
“Wayne Rooney, as well, has such desire and it doesn’t matter where you ask him to play. He has wonderful hunger and drive that can transform a team and a game.”
The Reds went into the break 2-0 down after goals from Darren Bent and Luka Modric had stunned the home side. Had the score remained that way after 90 minutes, United would have ended the day in second place, level on points with Liverpool but with an inferior goal difference.
“At half-time, Liverpool were right back in it,” admitted the boss. “If we’d lost it would have blown the title race wide open.
"The game really changed when we scored the first goal. You could see the fans lifted, the players were running quicker and passing the ball much faster. Then I brought PaulScholes on, which gave us further incisive passing. We produced a magnificent performance in the second half.
“We’ve won the game and we’re a goal better off than we were on Wednesday night. That’s important. We’re only two goals behind Liverpool now. The five we've scored makes a difference."
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