Wayne Rooney scores the winning goal in the Manchester derby in February, 2011.Initiated way back in 1881, when Manchester United were termed as Newton Heath and Manchester City were termed as West Gorton, the Manchester Derby is arguably one of footballsbiggest derbieswhich promises to engulf not only the region of Manchester, but also the worldin its pomp and show.Like all derbies, the Manchester Derby promises viewers with its dose of excitement, aggressiveness and eagerness.With Manchester City suffering a shock defeat at the hands of West Ham and Manchester United holding off a resilient Chelsea side, we take a look at the fiveof the most memorable Derbies between the two clubs.
#5 Man City 3-1 Man Utd, November 2002
This was a game that many Manchester City fans believed to be a 'must win' encounter. The match was to be the the last Manchester Derby at Maine Road, and the Sky Blues gathered their forces and put on an impressive show.
Nicolas Anelka gave the hosts an early lead, only for Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer to equalise with a cheeky finish three minutes later.
Although City fluttered for some time, they regained control and City Legend Shaun Goater put the hosts back in front with 26 minutes on the clock, capitalizing on an error from Gary Neville.
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Eyal Berkovic ensured victory for Manchester City as he put the hosts up 3-1.
#4 Man Utd 2-1 Man City, February 2011
Wayne Rooney's wonder strike eclipsed an impressive Manchester City performance, who would ultimately succumb to Rooney's masterclass.David Silva's deflected goalgave the visitors an equalizer after Nani's first half goalgave the Red Devils a slender advantage in a tight, tense and tactical encounter.
But a 78th minute cross from Luis Nani, high and deep into Manchester City's18-yard box, was met by Rooney who attempted thespectacular and succeeded to score with a bicycle kick into the top corner of Joe Harts goal.
The dying minutes of the game saw an unsuccessful Manchester City try and get past awell organized defence, but to no avail.
Wayne Rooney's wonder Strike would ultimately prove to be the decider the goal which was also voted the Best Goal in Premier Leaguehistory.
#3 Man City 2-3 Man Utd, December 2012
Wayne Rooneys two first half goals had cemented Manchester Uniteds hopes of taking all three points at the Etihad, when a late coup in the form of Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta goalsspoiled the party for the visitors.
With the game approaching full timetied at 2-2, a Robin van Persie free kick was deflected off former gunner Samir Nasribeyond Joe Harts reach whichgave United a deserving lead.
Ugly scenes followed soon as United's Rio Ferdinand suffered an eye cut after an object was hurled at him by a fan during the celebrations.Man Citygoalkeeper Joe Hart had to step in to prevent a pitch invader who was seen advancingtowards the centre back.
As Robin van Persiesfree kick sealed the deal for the visitors, the Red Devils would eventually distance themselves from the rest of the Premier League and would ultimately lift the highly coveted trophy.
#2 Man Utd 1-6 Man City, October 2011
Rivals called it the best matchin the Premier Leagues 22 year history, as Manchester City dismantled a below par Manchester United side at Old Trafford. After splashing money in the transfer window, Manchester City boasted a strong squad on paperled by captain Vincent Kompany.
A 22nd minute Mario Balotelli goal(followed by the infamousWhy Always Me? celebration) opened the floodgates for Manchester City, as the visitors would go on shame Manchester Uniteds defence.
Another goal from Balotelli in the 60th minute, followed by Sergio Agueros classy finisheight minutes later put the game to bed with the visitors leading 3-0. A Jonny Evansred card would further add to the woes of the Red Devils, as the visitors would go on to add three more goals before full time.
As the Scoreline read 1-6, courtesy of a consolation goal from Darren Fletcher, the Theatre of Dreams was converted successfully into a Theatre of Nightmares for the home fans.
#1 Man United 4-3 Man City, September 2009
20th September 2009witnessed the most unpredictable Manchester Derbyof perhaps all time, as both teams locked horns to steal all three points.
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring for Manchester United, but a Ben Foster howler allowed Gareth Barry to equalize. Two goals from each Craig Bellamy and Darren Fletcher, ensured that the game remained tied at 3-3, while going into the dying embers of the game.
It was in Fergie Time, that the hosts bagged all three points, courtesy of a Micheal Owen finish deep into injury time!
In May 2012, it was voted the Best Match of the first two decades of the Premier League in the Premier League 20 Seasons Awards, and was also dubbed as probably the best derby everby Sir Alex Ferguson.
