Irish centre-back Dunne was magnificent against Manchester United in the 2-1 win at Old Trafford, leading the men from Eastlands by example even though he had been so ill before the match he was not allowed to sleep in the team hotel ahead of an emotional Manchester derby.

City manager Eriksson said: "Richard Dunne had tonsilitis, so his performance was impeccable.

"As the captain he was excellent. He did not train on Saturday or come to the hotel the evening before the game.

"He just arrived at 10am on Sunday. The doctors took care of him, in effect he came straight from his bed to Old Trafford to play, amazing ."

Dunne brushed aside the praise, claiming: "I hadn't been too well but I had every intention of playing in this one.

"The game and performance were brilliant. We've been disappointed with our last few performances and this time we got stuck into them.

"We knew if we didn't put in a performance we would be in trouble. We got the goals at the right time and in the second half we worked really hard."

Goals from Darius Vassell and Benjani, on his debut, won the match for City.