Top 10 most memorable moments of the Manchester derby

 The Manchester Derby is always one of the most attractive matches in the Premier League season. Matches between MU and Man City have also witnessed many classic moments over the years.

Manchester Derby and things to know

#1 Hero Michael Owen

The classic derby in 2009 witnessed tension until the last seconds. Man City played indomitably in front of more than 70,000 spectators at Old Trafford. They were ahead three times by MU but did not give up, equalizing 3-3 thanks to Craig Bellamy in the 90th minute. But in the 90+6 minute, Michael Owen sealed the victory for the Red Devils from Ryan's delicate pass. Giggs. This was a controversial match as the referee initially only allowed 4 extra minutes of overtime, but extended it for 2 more minutes, creating a chance for MU to win.

#2 Gary Neville kisses Paul Scholes

In 2010, MU marched to Etihad in a derby that was vital to the championship. Gary Neville was the owner of the only goal in the 90+3 minute. After scoring, Neville was so happy that he kissed teammate Paul Scholes to celebrate. Scholes once told Manchester Evening News in 2013 about this moment: "A kiss on the lips from Neville is deserved after the victory against Man City!".

#3 Balotelli and the message "Why always me?"

"Why always me?" has become an iconic saying with the Manchester derby and is also associated with the name of striker Mario Balotelli. In 2011, MU welcomed Man City at Old Trafford when the noisy neighbor was starting to expand its power in England. Balotelli opened the score for Man City then immediately pulled off his shirt, revealing the words "Why always me?". This line refers to the media and newspapers repeatedly accusing him of quarreling with teammates and all sorts of other bad habits.

Besides this celebration, the match also became more unforgettable when witnessing Man City sinking the opponent with a score of 6-1. It marked the most unforgettable day in coach Sir Alex's career and also the biggest defeat at Old Trafford in the Premier League era.

#4 Rooney's masterpiece

In February 2011, MU welcomed Man City at Old Trafford. When the score was 1-1, Nani crossed the ball into the penalty area and Wayne Rooney made a beautiful hooking shot to defeat goalkeeper Joe Hart. That is still considered the best goal in Manchester derby history and was also voted the best goal since the birth of the Premier League.

#5 Kompany's header

Without this goal, there would have been no "Aguerooooooooo" moment on the final day of the 2011/12 season. After MU lost their advantage in the title race in a draw against Everton, City welcomed the Red Devils at the Etihad with only 3 rounds remaining. Self-determination will be in Man City's hands if they defeat MU. In a tense situation, captain Vincent Kompany scored a powerful header to seal a narrow victory for the Cityzens. Two weeks later, Sergio Aguero wrote his name in history with an iconic goal in the 93:20 minute, bringing Man City's first Premier League championship.

#6 Robin van Persie's last minute goal

In December 2012, City, then the defending champions, welcomed MU at Etihad. The two teams are competing for the top spot in the Premier League, so this derby is highly anticipated. Wayne Rooney's two goals in the first half helped the away team control the match, but Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta brought the match back to the starting line in the 86th minute. But Robin van Persie took a free kick in injury time and scored. determined a 3-2 victory for MU. Because they were so angry, fans threw strange objects from the stands at Rio Ferdinand. Goalkeeper Joe Hart reminded but could not stop the ugly reactions from the stands.

#7 Super goal from midfield by Scott McTominay

In 2020, MU faces Man City with the hope of winning both derbies for the first time since the 2009/10 season. Anthony Martial put MU ahead, and had to wait until injury time for the second goal. Observing goalkeeper Ederson was somewhat clumsy and rising high, Scott McTominay took a shot from 40 meters away, leaving no one in time to react. The match ended with a score of 2-0 in favor of MU, and Old Trafford seemed to explode in the excited cheers of the fans.

#8 Hat-trick of Foden and Haaland

At the beginning of the 2022/23 season, MU marched to Etihad after losing the first two matches. Coach Erik ten Hag also entered his first Manchester derby as Red Devils coach. Man City proved extremely dominant when Phil Foden and Erling Haaland each scored 3 goals to defeat MU. At the end of the second half, MU rallied and shortened the score to 6-3, but this performance still left great disappointment for the fans.

#9 Derby finale at Maine Road

Before City became the wealthy giant they are now, they were an unremarkable team. In 2002, City had just been promoted to the Premier League. They welcomed MU in the final derby at Maine Road Stadium before moving to a new stadium, Etihad.

MU did not have captain Roy Keane due to suspension in this match. Vice captain Gary Neville and his teammates had an unforgettable day of competition. The Red Devils' back four were "sweated" by Shaun Goater and Nicolas Anelka, eventually losing 1-3 to The Citizens.

#10 Win at Wembley

In 2011, MU and Man City faced off in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium. Yaya Toure's only goal sent Man City into their first FA Cup final in 30 years. In this match, Paul Scholes was sent off the field after a harsh tackle on Pablo Zabaleta. Mario Balotelli also made Rio Ferdinand and Anderson angry after his provocative celebration in front of MU fans after the final whistle.