PL Collection: United's best derbies against City

Monday 13 June 2022 10:00

The 2022/23 Premier League fixtures are released on Thursday (16 June), and we're building up to the day by delving into our Premier League Collection on ManUtd.com and the United App. Today (Monday), we're bringing you extended highlights from some of our most classic derby clashes with local rivals Manchester City.

City were one of the founders of the Premier League in 1992 and we have played them on 50 occasions since the top flight was was rebranded. 

For the first 10 Premier League derbies between United and City, the Reds were unbeaten, scoring an impressive 22 goals and conceding only seven.

In addition to the feisty tackling and hostile atmospheres that this derby guarantees, it also delivers goals. Only five of the 50 Premier League meetings between United and City have finished 0-0.

Indeed, in recent years, our derbies have become more competitive, with City establishing themselves as one of the Premier League's regular top six, alongside the Reds. This only adds to the fire of the fixture, and the anticipation for this fixture is just as high as it was in the very first Premier League game between the sides in December 1992 at Old Trafford.

United legends Eric Cantona and Roy Keane both star in the first video we have selected, with the duo inspiring a remarkable Reds comeback at Maine Road in 1993.

Manchester City 2 United 3 Video

Manchester City 2 United 3

7 November 1993: This derby clash was a game of two halves, but thankfully ended in three points for the Reds...

CITY 2 UNITED 3 (1993/94)

In November 1993, the Reds were 2-0 down against City at half-time, after Niall Quinn had scored a first-half brace thanks to two headers. But United fought back in the second period, as Cantona scored a brace of his own to draw the sides level. Despite the Frenchman’s goals, Peter Schmeichel played a pivotal role in the eventual victory, producing a sublime save when faced one-on-one with Quinn. With just three minutes to go, Keane made himself a hero, hammering home Denis Irwin’s cross at the back post to seal victory for the Reds. This incredible comeback ensured United extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table, and we went on to win our second consecutive title at the end of that season.

UNITED 5 CITY 0 (1994/95)

Andrei Kanchelskis stole the headlines in our emphatic 5-0 win over City at Old Trafford in 1994. The right winger scored a goal either side of half-time and completed his hat-trick in the closing stages of the match, as the Reds swept aside our neighbours. Cantona opened the scoring for United with a left-footed drive in the first half, and Mark Hughes added our fourth goal in the second half with a composed finish, but the Kanchelskis hat-trick did the majority of the damage, and helped to avenge City's notable 5-1 win at Maine Road in 1989.

United 5 Manchester City 0 Video

United 5 Manchester City 0

10 November 1994: Andrei Kanchelskis secures his place in Reds history with a derby hat-trick.

UNITED 4 CITY 3 (2009/10)

Our 4-3 derby win in 2009 will always be remembered for an injury-time winner from Michael Owen. Despite the Reds going ahead three times, with goals from Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher (2), City managed to hit back on all three occasions. However, Craig Bellamy’s 90th-minute equaliser for Mark Hughes’s side wasn’t enough, as Owen popped up in the 96th minute to slot home after being found expertly by Ryan Giggs. The scenes at Old Trafford could only be described as pandemonium, as the win ensured bragging rights for United and also kept pressure on league leaders Chelsea.

United 4 Manchester City 3 Video

United 4 Manchester City 3

20 September 2009: A derby for the ages, fought from the very first to the very last kick...

CITY 2 UNITED 3 (2012/13)

The final derby clash we have selected is yet another that was decided in injury time. Our visit to City in December of 2012 saw first take on second in the Premier League. Wayne Rooney had given the Reds a 2-0 half-time lead with a quickfire brace, before the hosts staged a second-half comeback through Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta. With the sides locked at 2-2, and time running out, Robin van Persie stepped up to take a 92nd-minute free kick. The Dutchman’s effort curled all the way into the far corner and sent United’s away support into raptures. It was the sweetest of wins, and carved open a six-point lead for United at the top of the Premier League table.

Manchester City 2 United 3 Video

Manchester City 2 United 3

9 December 2012: Watch the extended highlights of our dramatic win starring Rooney and RvP...

UNITED v CITY: PL RECORD

Games played: 50
United wins: 24
Draws: 9
City wins: 17
United goals: 71
City goals: 67
Top scorer: Wayne Rooney (8)

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