They had beaten Sunderland 1-0 and City were losing 2-1 at the Etihad, with their game entering stoppage time.
Even City midfielder Gareth Barry thought a helicopter flying over the Eastlands Stadium was swiftly taking the real Premier League trophy up to wearside, despite five minute's stoppage-time being held up by the fourth official.
In fact, so close to full time was it at City, that boards heralding United as champions were being readied for a presentation ceremony at the Stadium of Light.
However, 140 miles away, as the clock struck 4.52pm, something incredible happened.
First, Edin Dzeko headed home to level the score at 2-2 against QPR. The boards and fireworks in Sunderland, meanwhile, were still being set up. United, as things stood, were still champions.
Must sting!
Gotta be prepared just in case. Liverpool had a bus that said Champion's League winners when they were beaten by Milan. Not really news.
Damn, that is just embarrassing, but i like they they have so much confident in themselves. it can only do you good.
Learn from the mistakes while moving forward 'Untied'.
Just recycle it by changing it to 2012-13
not surprised.
same news would be if city lost the title saying they had a banner ready.
must be a slow news day to be reporting this.