5 best Manchester derbies in the Premier League era

By James Dudko | Dec 7, 2017

Manchester United's Dutch striker Robin Van Persie (L) shoots during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Manchester United at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on December 9, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATESRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

MANCHESTER UTD STRIKER ERIC CANTONA (L) CLASHES WITH MANCHESTER CITY’S KEITH CURLE DURING THE LOCAL DERBY MATCH AT MAINE ROAD. (Photo by Malcolm Croft – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images) /

3. Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United, November 1993

There aren’t many better examples of how a derby brings out the best in both teams, regardless of form and standing, than United’s thrilling comeback to beat City in 1993.

City weren’t awed by United’s star-studded defending champions. Instead, the hosts roared into a 2-0 lead thanks to a brace from Niall Quinn.

Far from deterred, United showed why they were the dominant force during the Premier League’s infant years. Creative talisman Eric Cantona proved his habit for scoring big goals in big games by erasing City’s advantage.

It was left to Roy Keane to complete the comeback, turning into the net after a buccaneering run into the box. Those who only remember Keane as the snarling enforcer in the middle forget about his keen eye for goal cultivated as a young star for Nottingham Forest.

This derby showed United at their overpowering best. It serves as the classic example of what the Reds were about during the peak years of the Ferguson era, before stronger rivals emerged, foreign investment evened the playing field and United became an altogether more pragmatic animal.

Home/Premier League