Hughes demands explanation for added time
City boss Mark Hughes has demanded an explanation from the referee after United striker Michael Owen settled the Manchester derby in the 96th minute.
Substitute Owen slotted past Shay Given to seal a thrilling 4-3 win for United, despite the fourth official having indicated just four extra minutes.
"We need an explanation because I don't know why the referee has added that amount of time on," said Hughes.
"We just feel a little bit aggrieved that they were given that time."
City looked on course for a point after Craig Bellamy's fine individual goal made it 3-3 in the 90th minute.
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"I have not had a word with the referee yet but the the fourth official (Alan Wiley) tried to give me an explanation of sorts as I was questioning the amount of time added on even before the game finished," said Hughes.
"His explanation did not sit comfortably with me. He said a minute plus had been added because of our celebration. We scored on 90 minutes, the board was already up for four minutes, so Mr Wiley said he was going to add that minute on.
"The amount of time from when we scored to when we kicked-off was something like 45 seconds. He has got that wrong as well. It was 95 minutes 26 seconds.
"Obviously he has played too much time and we ended up playing 97 minutes. I just needed an explanation as to why so much time was needed. United were given a little more time than they should have been given to get the goal.
"Historically it has happened before. I was in teams here where we always had a little bit of benefit. I never felt it was an issue when we played here.
"But since I have left maybe I have changed my view on that. I am not going to question anyone's integrity but I do not know where has got seven minutes from.
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We're disappointed, we put in a hell of a shift today
Manchester City Mark Hughes
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"It would be nice to get an explanation but I don't think I will."
As well as taking goal celebrations into account, the officials are entitled to add 30 seconds for United's stoppage-time substitution which saw Michael Carrick come on for Anderson.
In the event, referee Martin Atkinson didn't blow the whistle until 96 minutes and 58 seconds were on the clock and Hughes believes the pressure of the Old Trafford crowd may have played its part.
"We've done really well to come back three times against Manchester United at Old Trafford," he added. "It's a big stage here and that puts everyone under pressure, including the referees.
"For whatever reason he's go the timing wrong."
City's £120 million summer spending spree, including the capture of Carlos Tevez from United, added extra spice to the fixture, as did Sir Alex Ferguson's pre-season dismissal of United's neighbours as "a small club with a small mentality".
The visitors came back to level the game three times before Owen's late winner and Hughes says he was proud of his team's efforts.
"We're disappointed, we put in a hell of a shift today," said Hughes. "Craig Bellamy scored two magnificent goals. He didn't deserve to be on the losing side."
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