Shropshire’s Joe Hart today hailed Manchester City’s “ridiculous” thrashing of arch rivals Manchester United – but warned his team-mates to keep their feet on the ground.

England No 1 Hart and his City team-mates pulled off the result of the Premeir League era with a stunning 6-1 triumph at Old Trafford yesterday.

The scale of the victory – United’s worst home defeats since 1955 – has sent shockwaves through English football amid further signs of a shift in the balance of power.

But, while Hart was delighted to play his part in an historic triumph, his jubilation was tempered by a word of caution.

“We’ve got to stay level headed,” said the former Shrewsbury Town shot-stopper. It was a brilliant day – the lads felt amazing, the fans felt amazing and there was a real feelgood vibe about it.

“We have played magnificent football all season and yesterday proved we have top quality players.

“United were bleeding when they had a man (Jonny Evans) sent off and we went in for the kill.

“What happened was ridiculous but – and I know it’s boring – you don’t get any more points for winning by five goals and the Wolves games (on Wednesday and Saturday) – both in the League and Carling Cup – are now massive for us.”

A delighted Hart also sung the praises of striker Mario Balotelli who, despite being in the headlines for accidentally setting his house ablaze with fireworks in the build-up to the game, scored twice for City.

“Mario is a great player and I can’t say enough positives about him,” added the 24-year-old.

“I think we were all a bit unsure last season what he was about but he has grown as a person and he is someone we all look to I’m delighted for him.”

“All the hype that comes with Mario is standard procedure. It seems like his head is really screwed on and we are 100 per cent behind him.”

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson described the defeat at the hands of City as “our worst ever day”.

Ferguson pulled no punches in his post-match assessment of a result that puts City five points clear of their rivals at the top of the Barclays Premier League table.

“It was our worst ever day,” said Ferguson. “It’s the worst result in my history, ever. Even as a player I don’t think I ever lost 6-1.

“The sending off was a killer for us. We kept attacking when we went 4-1 down and we should have just said: ‘We’ve had our day.’”

By JAMES GARRISON