It was Wigan’s first ever win against the defending Champions, the goal from Shaun Maloney giving the home side all the points while helping Man City cut the lead at the top of the table down to five points.
But United were not only playing Wigan, they had the ref to beat as well as he turned down a blatant penalty for the Reds and awarded a corner to the home side that never was theirs to get, that corner lead to the goal.
But even though the ref helped the home side to victory, Sir Alex had to admit that his side had been beat by the better team on the night.
He told Sky Sports after the game: "It was a disappointing night for us, in the first half we were totally dominated by Wigan.
"It was of those awful nights that you sometimes get in football and it's unavoidable sometimes.
"I think Phil Dowd had a disappointing game tonight but doesn't take away from the fact Wigan were the better team and deserved to win.
"They play terrific football, are underrated, in a false position and really deserved the win tonight.
"The kind of football they play considering their position is a credit to their manager.
"Some of the football they play is outstanding, so we weren't under any illusions, but the thing is we just didn't cope with it."