5 best Manchester derbies in the Premier League era
By James Dudko
1. Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City
No derby in recent memory made more of a statement about the changing fortunes of the Manchester clubs than City’s 6-1 demolition of United at Old Trafford in 2011.
The Reds entered the season as defending champions and were in confident mood after hammering Arsenal 8-2 earlier in the campaign. However, City were set to be a force thanks to some genuine star power in their ranks, including David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli among others.
More important, City were more of a well-drilled team thanks to manager Roberto Mancini. He had guided the club to the FA Cup a season earlier and had them primed for bigger things.
City laid down a marker about their potential for bigger things when they raced into a 3-0 lead. Balotelli scored twice before Aguero added a third. The former made his mark on the occasion with his distinctive “Why always me?” celebration.
What was more distinctive than Balotelli’s shirt was the quality of City’s attacking play. They simply tore through United at will, combining intelligently at pace.
Yet for all City’s creative guile in midfield and power up top, United were only one down when center-back Jonny Evans was sent off. The dismissal prompted a City goal rush only interrupted by Darren Fletcher with nine minutes remaining.
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There was still time for three more City goals, though, with Silva getting on the scoresheet, while Edin Dzeko bagged a brace.
City had made it clear they weren’t going to flatter to deceive. Now United knew their neighbours were for real.
This game was the signal City wouldn’t just pick up a few cups thanks to their new-found riches. Instead, they would continue building a team and a club capable of seizing power from their local rivals.
The fact City have won two titles compared to United’s one since this game says the message delivered at Old Trafford was a telling one.
Checking the ground City have made up since 2011 is what United will be playing for this Sunday.