After the final whistle blew at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on Sunday, preparations were being made behind-the-scenes to announce Manchester United as Premier League champions for the 2011-12 season.

As this above photo above shows, a sign was being prepared with Manchester United’s name on it as Premier League champions. Unfortunately for United, as the City match went into added time, Manchester City scored a goal to level the game 2-2, and then scored the winner with just 40 seconds to go in added time.

It was a cruel blow to Manchester United’s season, and an unfortunate way to end the season losing on goal difference when they thought they had done everything they needed to win it.

H/T The Daily Telegraph.