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Sir Alex Ferguson 'DESTROYED' Ruud van Nistelrooy when he walked in with a Man City shirt after 2002 loss vowing 'you'll never play for this club' if he did it again, reveals Rio Ferdinand - as United legend admits that's when he realised the derby's impo

Sir Alex Ferguson was known for his 'hairdryer' treatment of players from time-to-time and Rio Ferdinand has revealed that seeing it on full blast at Ruud van Nistelrooy quickly made him realise the significance of the Manchester derby.

Ferdinand signed for Manchester United in July 2002 from Leeds United in a £30million deal - a then British-record. And just four months later he got his first taste of a Manchester derby as United travelled to local rivals Manchester City.

However, his derby debut didn't go to plan as Ferguson's side were swept aside 3-1 at Maine Road - with Shaun Goater scoring twice in the victory.