Alex Ferguson hardly knew whether to laugh or cry after this extravaganza at Hillsborough.
The first hour was enough to make any Manchester United supporter weep as they watched their team go three goals behind.
They seemed to be heading for the kind of New Year Day disaster that saw them turned over 4-1 by QPR at Old Trafford this time last year.
Although they had been creating chances themselves, they had made as big a mess of them as the defenders had of keeping David Hirst and his Sheffield Wednesday mates at bay.
But there was plenty to smile about at the end with such a thrilling fight back that even rival boss Trevor Francis was cheerfully acknowledging the merit of United's performance.
Ferguson's view
There was some absolutely pulsating stuff, a brilliant game. When we were three goals down there was nothing to say because we had been creating plenty of chances ourselves.
In the second half we started getting into it and the first goal rescued us because when they got a sniff they went for it. We ended up overrunning them. They panicked a bit and we could easily have won it.
The way we came back is the hallmark of a good team. They never gave in and showed great character. I have no complaints.
Man of the Match
Brain McClair's goals rescued the Reds but Lee Sharpe's class made him top man.
