The Best Manchester Derbies

The Manchester derby is one of the most exciting and intense rivalries in football. The derby is contested between Manchester United and Manchester City, essentially the two biggest football clubs in the city of Manchester, England. Interestingly, the rivalry between these two clubs dates back to 1881, and it has been filled with countless memorable moments over the years.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Manchester derbies as selected by the author.

1993/94:

Manchester City 2‑3 Manchester United

The 1993/94 season saw Manchester United clinch the Premier League title for the second time under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson – seeing off a stiff challenge by Blackburn Rovers. In a thrilling game at Maine Road, United came from behind twice to win 3-2. City took the lead through Niall Quinn, but two goals from Eric Cantona and a late winner from Roy Keane sealed the victory for United. This match showcased the neversay-die attitude of United and the attacking prowess of Cantona, who was the catalyst behind United’s success in that season.

1994/95:

Manchester United 5 0 Manchester City

The 1994/95 season saw United come up short as an Alan Shearer-inspired Blackburn clinched the league title in dramatic fashion. In the derby at Old Trafford against cross-town rivals City, United put on a breathtaking display of attacking football, scoring five goals without reply. Andrei Kanchelskis scored a hat-trick, whilst Eric Cantona and Mark Hughes also got on the scoresheet. The result was a clear indication of the gulf in class between the two teams, and it remains one of United’s biggest derby victories.

2009/10:

Manchester United 4‑3 Manchester City

The 2009/10 season saw a dramatic derby at Old Trafford, which had everything that a football fan could ask for. United scored after a couple of minutes thanks to Wayne Rooney but City equalised soon after thanks to Gareth Barry. However, United hit back with a brace by Darren Fletcher before City then equalized through Craig Bellamy to make it 3-3. In the 90+6 minute of the game, Michael Owen scored a dramatic injury-time winner for United clinically dispatching the ball past the hapless Shay Given. This match showcased the intensity and drama of the Manchester derby, and it will always be remembered as one of the best.

2010/11:

Manchester United 2 1 Manchester City

The 2010/11 season saw United and City compete for the Premier League title, and the derby at Old Trafford was a pivotal moment in the title race. United scored a great goal thanks to Nani, but City equalised in the second half thanks to David Silva. The game will forever be remembered for Wayne Rooney’s bicycle kick – which was subsequently voted as the greatest ever goal scored in Premier League history. The victory took United five points clear of City at the top of the table, and it proved to be a crucial win as they went on to win the title.

2012/13:

Manchester City 2 3 Manchester United

The 2012/13 season saw another dramatic derby, this time at the Etihad Stadium. At the home of the Champions (City having won the league title in dramatic fashion during the 2011/12 season) United took a 2-0 lead with thanks to Wayne Rooney (x2) but City hit back with goals from Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta. However, United secured the win in the dying moments of the game – thanks to a free kick by the mercurial Robin Van Persie. The victory took United six points clear of City at the top of the table, and it proved to be a crucial win as they went on to win the title.

2014/15:

Manchester United 4 2 Manchester City

The 2014/15 season saw a derby at Old Trafford that was a thrilling end-to-end encounter. City took the lead through Sergio Aguero, but United hit back with goals from Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling. Aguero scored a late consolation for City, but it was too little too late as United secured a comfortable 4-2 victory. This match showcased the attacking prowess of United and the defensive frailties of City, and it remains one of the most entertaining derby matches in recent memory.

To conclude, the Manchester derby is one of the biggest and most intense rivalries in football. Over the years, there have been countless memorable moments and thrilling encounters between United and their “noisy neighbours” Manchester City. The six derbies highlighted in this article are just a small selection of the many classic matches that have taken place between these two great clubs. Whether it’s the drama, intensity, or sheer quality on display, the Manchester derby certainly never fails to deliver.