Considering the 4-2 derby trouncing they'd received from their next-door neighbours earlier in the day, spirits were undoubtedly at a low ebb in and around the Manchester City camp come Sunday evening.
However, for a small section of particularly sensitive City fans, the gloom quickly descended into outraged despair when winger Toni Duggan of the Manchester City women's team posted a photo of herself with victorious United boss Louis van Gaal.
The Instagram picture showed a smiling Van Gaal posing for a celebratory photo with Duggan and fellow City teammate Isobel Christiansen, as well as Everton player Michelle Hinnigan.
Louis van Gaal celebrated United's derby day win with players of City's women's team http://t.co/WYhxBcPQ3P pic.twitter.com/hjMDOMjcLI
- 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) April 13, 2015
Duggan later removed the post after receiving a stream of abusive messages from irate City supporters.