5 of the best Manchester derbies in recent times

Manchester United are set to host their arch-rivals Manchester City on Sunday in an epic derby which has already got heated up in the press conferences.

These two sides have played 40 matches in the Premier League in which United have enjoyed the majority of success. Red Devils have won 20 games while the Sky Blues have won 12 and eight games have ended in a draw.

110 goals have been scored in those 40 games and the biggest margin of win was recorded by Manchester City in the 2011/12 season when they thrashed United 6-1 at Old Trafford.

As the wait continues for the Manchester derby, let us quickly take a look at some of the most memorable games between these two sides in recent times.

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#5 Manchester City 2 - 3 Manchester United - 09 December 2012

Robin Van Persie celebrates after scoring a goal

In the most entertaining fixture of the 2012/13 season, Manchester United emerged as the winners with the help of Robin van Persie's goal in the injury time.

Wayne Rooney struck twice in the first half and gave a comfortable lead for his side as the score stood 2-0 at halftime.

Yaya Toure pulled one back for the home side in the 60th minute and Pablo Zabaleta's strike in the 85th minute equalised the scoreline for the Sky Blues.

As the game was heading for a draw, Robin van Persie's free-kick hit the wall and curled into the left corner in additional time to win the game for the visitors.

#4 Manchester City 2 - 3 Manchester United - 08 January 2012

Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring in the 10th minute of the game

In a third round fixture of the F.A cup, Manchester United edged out their rivals in a closely contested match-up.

Wayne Rooney broke the deadlock in the tenth minute with an excellent header and gave his side an early advantage in the game.

Manchester City were soon reduced to 10-men as Vincent Kompany was sent-off in the 12th minute for a rash tackle on Nani.

Danny Welbeck struck a sweet volley before Wayne Rooney scored once more to make the score 0-3 in favour of the visitors.

City produced a determined performance in the second half and soon pulled one back through Aleksander Kolarov who beautifully curled in a free-kick past Anders Lindegaard. Sergio Aguero reduced the deficit to one as he pounced on a rebound of his own shot to make it 2-3.

However, City failed to find the equalizer and were eventually knocked out of the cup as the game ended 2-3.

#3 Manchester United 2 - 1 Manchester City - 12 February 2011

Who can forget this?

Wayne Rooney's acrobatic effort in the second half sealed the game for Manchester United as the game ended 2-1 to the Red Devils.

Nani opened the scoring for the home side as he comfortably slotted the ball past Joe Hart in the 41st minute. Manchester City equalized through a lucky goal as Edin Dzeko's attempt struck David Silva and went in past a helpless Edwin van der Sar.

Wayne Rooney produced the magical moment of the derby as he scored an acrobatic bicycle goal which flew past Joe Hart following a deflected cross from Nani. With no further goals scored, the derby ended 2-1 and Manchester United marched on to win the league title that season.

Wayne Rooney's exceptional bicycle kick still remains the best goal scored in the derby and it went on to win the Premier League Goal of the 20 Seasons award.

#2 Manchester City 2 - 3 Manchester United - 07 August 2011

Nani almost always showed up all guns blazing for the Manchester derby

Nani's injury-time winner wrapped up an excellent comeback for Manchester United in a thrilling Community Shield encounter which ended 2-3.

Joleon Lescott headed in the first goal of the game and Edin Dzeko soon made it 2-0 with a wonderful strike from outside the box.

Chris Smalling reduced the deficit to one in the 52nd minute with a good finish and some brilliant teamwork from United was rewarded with the crucial equalising goal in the 58th minute.

A mix up between Manchester City's defenders gifted United the winner, as Nani calmly went past Joe Hart and slotted the ball into an empty net to complete an excellent comeback for his side.

This win ensured a 19th Community Shield victory for the Red Devils who went on to lose the league title to City by goal difference.

#1 Manchester United 4 - 3 Manchester City - 20 September 2009

Owen's goal in the dying embers of the game elevated the game to the status of a classic

Michael Owen's injury-time winner sealed the game for Manchester United in a fixture which is regarded as the 'Best derby of all time' by Sir Alex Ferguson.

It took just two minutes for Wayne Rooney to break the deadlock as he dodged a few sliding tackles to slot the ball past Shay Given. But Gareth Barry soon equalised for the visitors in the 16th minute following an error from Ben Foster.

Darren Fletcher put his team ahead in the 49th minute which was nullified by Craig Bellamy's stunner within three minutes.

Fletcher once again gave his side a lead in the 80th minute only to be cancelled out by Craig Bellamy once again!

Six minutes of injury time was well utilised by the home side as Michael Owen scored the decisive winner in the sixth minute of the additional time, much to the dismay of Manchester City boss Mark Hughes.