5 best Manchester derbies in the Premier League era
By James Dudko
The five best Manchester derbies in the Premier League era.
Manchester rules the Premier league this season and maybe for the next several seasons. Both leaders City and second-placed United have the stars, on the pitch and in the dugout, along with the financial resources, to trade titles for a long time to come.
The extent of Manchester’s potential to dominate will be seen in this Sunday’s derby at Old Trafford. United will be desperate to reduce City’s eight-point lead, but history may not be on the Red Devils’ side.
City have inflicted some memorable defeats on United, particularly at the Theatre of Dreams. A six-goal thrashing in 2011, as well as winning 50 years on from the Munich air disaster, are among those City wins.
It hasn’t all been about the sky blue half of Manchester, though. United have their own collection of notable derby triumphs, including a dramatic comeback from the days of Eric Cantona and Roy Keane.
Here are the five best Manchester derbies from the Premier League annals:
5. Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United, December 2012
City had taken the title out of United’s hands in the most dramatic way possible the previous season. The near miss prompted the Reds to beat their neighbours in the race to sign Arsenal striker Robin van Persie in the summer of 2012.
It would prove a highly significant moment, as Van Persie, now suited up in United colours, was the difference in this thrilling December derby.
United had already built a solid lead in the table, thanks largely to Van Persie’s goals. But it was strike partner Wayne Rooney who set the standard at the Etihad Stadium, scoring twice.
City, as was their want circa 2012, came back from 2-0 down to equalise thanks to goals from Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta. Cue Van Persie to show the Cityzens what they had missed out on.
The ex-Gunner curled in a trademark free-kick in stoppage time, a shot ironically aided by a deflection off another former Arsenal player, left-back Gael Clichy.
United won and from that moment on, were never troubled by their local rivals in what proved to be a comfortable saunter to a 13th league title, the club’s last since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.