There are few more intense rivalries on the English schedule than Manchester United vs. Manchester City. The Manchester derby was first contested in 1881, but it has become a more important clash in recent memory, with the teams competing for major honors.
Man City’s days in United’s shadow are a thing of the past, and that was reflected a couple of seasons ago after the Blue side of Manchester replicated United’s treble after claiming Champions League success. You can bet on Manchester Teams here:
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When the sides collide it is one of the most important dates in the diary, but what have been some of the iconic goals that have shaped the match in recent memory?
Ilkay Gundogan - FA Cup Final 2023
One of the most important goals in recent Man City memory was produced in the FA Cup final in 2023 against Man United.
Ilkay Gundogan created a lasting memory for City after smashing the ball past David De Gea from outside of the penalty box after just 12 seconds. The goal remains the quickest to be scored in FA Cup final history, and his second effort would later put City on their way to their treble.
However, United would gain revenge 12 months later with a 2-1 cup final success at Wembley.
Wayne Rooney- Premier League 2010-11
Perhaps the most famous Manchester derby scored in the Premier League was produced at Old Trafford in the 2010-11 season.
Wayne Rooney improvised following a deflected Nani cross to smash an overhead kick into the top right-hand corner of Joe Hart’s net. It is a lasting derby memory, and the effort features heavily in promotional packages when the match is upcoming.
Importantly, it also ensured that United maintained their advantage at the top of the standings, before holding off City to regain the Premier League title.
David Beckham- Premier League 2000-01
Long before Man City could be considered title contenders in the Premier League, they suffered a humbling relegation back to the second tier in 2000-01.
Man United were the dominant team in the derby throughout the period, and that was reflected by a 1-0 success at Maine Road in November 2000. David Beckham produced the moment of magic, curling home a free-kick inside the opening two minutes.
Craig Bellamy- Premier League 2009-10
One of the craziest Manchester derbies in history was staged at Old Trafford in the 2009-10 season. It was the first meeting between the sides following a big summer of spending at City, which also saw Carlos Tevez make the controversial move across the divide.
Craig Bellamy scored a stunning effort from outside of the box to level the scores, before the Welshman later added a brace in what appeared to be the effort to ensure a point.
However, United would claim the spoils in a dramatic conclusion, as Michael Owen slotted home past Shay Given in the sixth-minute of stoppage time. It was the first heavyweight showdown between the clubs, and a sign of the changing importance of the fixture.
Scott McTominay- Premier League 2019-20
By the time that the 2019-20 season came around, Man City were the dominant team in Manchester, with Pep Guardiola’s side enjoying a period of dominance in England’s top flight.
However, a reminder of United still being competitive was issued in the derby at Old Trafford in 2019-20, with the points secured via a 2-0 win following Scott McTominay’s effort from the half-way line.
It was the final match at Old Trafford in front of fans before the COVID-19 lockdown came into force, and the Theatre of Dreams has hardly been louder than it was on that spring evening.
Shaun Wright-Phillips- Premier League 2003-04
Manchester City would enjoy a famous derby success toward the end of the 2003-04 season, securing a dominant 4-1 win in the first meeting between the sides at the City of Manchester Stadium.
The pick of the goals was scored by Shaun Wright-Phillips, who did well to keep the ball in play before running down the right wing.
He then feinted to cross the ball, earning some space away from Wes Brown before smashing the ball over the head of Tim Howard in the United goal.
Marcus Rashford- Premier League 2023-24
One of the best recent goals in Manchester derby history was scored in the clash between the sides at the Etihad Stadium in 2023-24.
A long ball was held up well by Bruno Fernandes, before the Portuguese midfielder played off a pace to Marcus Rashford, which was smashed into the City net with the help of the cross-bar.
However, that would be the only bright moment of the afternoon for the Red Devils, as City scored three times in the second half to turn the game on its head. But, the Red Devils did get some revenge later in the season after beating City in the FA Cup final.