Top 5 Goal scorers in the Manchester Derby in the Premier League era

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney celebrates his winner against Manchester City in their 2-1 win at Old Trafford in 2011.It’s that time of the season again when the two teams from Manchester go head to head. Yes, it’s the Manchester derby.Manchester United has had a tricky start to their campaign under new boss Louis Van Gaal. They have 13 points from 9 games. On the other hand, Manchester City have made a decent start to the season and have managed to collect 17 points from a possible 27 after 9 games, and currently sit 6 points behind the current League leaders Chelsea.One thing is certain, it would be a treat for all the football fans as they can expect many goals in this derby. Let’s get in the mood for this season’s first Manchester derby by having a look at the top five scorers from the derby.

#5 Edin Dzeko: Manchester City - 4 Goals

Bosnian Footballer of the Year for three years in a row, Edin Dzeko is known as Bosanski dijamant (The Bosnian Diamond) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dzeko is strong in passing the ball, his finishing has been spot on over the years, and he is also strong in aerial duels, making him a forward with real threat.

He has scored 4 goals in 5 Manchester derbies and is the fifth highest scorer in Manchester derbies in the Premier League era.

Dzeko scored twice in City's win over United on 25 March 2014. He opened the scoring in the first minute of the game when Samir Nasri took a shot which hit the post and Dzeko was perfectly placed to nod the ball in from close range.

He came close to scoring his second of the night but it was David De Gea who made a fine diving save to deny him. Early into the second half Dzeko added another to his name when he smashed a volley past De Gea. City came out comfortable winners that night.

#4 Sergio Aguero: Manchester City - 4 Goals

As one of the lethal strikers of the modern game, his passing abilities and vision makes him an assist provider too. The Argentine has the speed and strength to give defenders nightmares, and his eye for goal have helped him score 4 goals in 5 derby appearances. Kun Agüero is the fourth highest scorer in Manchester derbies in the Premier League era.

On 8 April 2013, coming on as a substitute, scoring the match winning goal would make any player happy. But scoring the winner against Manchester United is something which surely Aguero is going to cherish all his life.

Agüero tore apart United's defence when he sped away from four United defenders and scored a wonderful goal to put City ahead of United. It was the same Aguero who stole the title from United's hands with a last gasp winner against QPR on the final day of the season.

This has to be one of his most memorable goals.

#3 Paul Scholes: Manchester United - 5 Goals

Paul Scholes is regarded for his clean touch of the ball, his vision when passing the ball, his technical skills. Such qualities of his has attributed to his free scoring ability against Manchester City. Paul Scholes has scored 5 goals in 21 Manchester derbies, making him the third highest scorer of all time in the Manchester derby in the Premier League era.

Scholes has scored some stunning goals in his career, but one goal which even he will never forget is his headed goal in injury time against Manchester City, which kept Manchester United's title hopes alive.

The match in question took place on 17 April 2010. Until the final 20 seconds of stoppage time the score remained 0-0, but all it took was Patrice Evra's cross and Scholes remarkable header to stun City and get all three points.

It was the third time that season where in United scored in injury time to snatch victory. This remains one of Scholes’ best goals and an important one as well.

#2 Eric Cantona: Manchester United - 7 Goals

Eric Cantona made his first appearance for Manchester United in a friendly match against Benfica in Lisbon, wearing the number 10 shirt. He made his competitive debut as a substitute against Manchester City at Old Trafford on 6 December 1992.

Cantona's record against Manchester City has been very impressive. He has scored 7 goals in 7 appearances in the Premier League against Manchester City. He was always a threat going forward and Manchester City realised that but could do little to stop him from scoring.

7 November 1993: 2-0 down at half time against local rivals City, Manchester United were in dire need of some inspiration to lift them up and get back into the game, and it was Eric Cantona who was instrumental in United's stunning comeback. Cantona scored just after the half time and added another in the closing stages of the game, Cantona started the move with brilliant skills, juggling the ball past the City players.

It was Ryan Giggs who played in a magical pass at the back post and Cantona arrived in time to tap in the equaliser and Roy Keane finally sealed United's comeback later that night.

#1 Wayne Rooney: Manchester United - 8 Goals

Rooney scored his 200th goal for Manchester United in September 2013 and he currently has 219 goals to his name for Manchester United. He is the third highest goal scorer for the club.

He has scored 8 goals in 17 appearances in Manchester derbies, and is the top scorer in this cross town bout. Going into the match, the Etihad faithful would be hoping that Rooney doesn’t get to start the game, because one thing is certain; if he starts, he will be involved in goals, either in creating them or scoring them.

The world surely must have seen many over head kicks, but one goal that remains in everyone's memory is Rooney's overhead kick against their 'noisy neighbours' Manchester City in February 2011. It was a stunner, as Rooney himself said, that goal gave him a 'mad rush of power'.

It was Nani's cross which was judged to pin point perfection by Wayne Rooney, who then left Joe Hart stunned with a powerfully struck bicycle kick. This has to be one of Wayne Rooney's most crucial goals for the club, and also the one to be remembered for a long long time.

The goal was also officially voted the Best Goal in 20 seasons in the Premier League in 2012.