Manchester Derby
This weekend Manchester United will take on Manchester City for local bragging rights and with massive implications for the Premier League title. Here’s a look at some of the most memorable Manchester derby moments in recent memory.
Not a top 5 list, but a list it is. Here are 5 Manchester derby matches that stand out in recent memory.
1. Wayne Rooney Bicycle Kick (2/11/2011) – Old Trafford
Sir Alex said it was perhaps the best goal he had seen in his (at the time) 25 years managing Manchester United. Nani scored a goal in the first half and then sent a ball into the box for this beauty in the 78th minute. When Rooney saw it coming, he stopped, thought ‘Why not?’, turned around and swung his right leg above his head sending the ball into the top right corner. It was magical and went on to win Rooney the club’s Goal of the Decade award.
2. Rooney Brace / Van Persie Free Kick Winner (12/9/2012) – Etihad Stadium
Rooney scored a brace in the first half, only to have City tie it in the second. In stoppage time, Van Persie lined up to take a free kick that would take a deflection off a leg in the City wall to then bounce and curl in the far post. It was Van Persie’s first derby after making the famous decision to sign with Manchester United instead of City. Rio Ferdinand was cut above the eye by a coin thrown from the stands. A City supporter then invaded the pitch to confront the defender face to face as the players celebrated.
3. Rashford’s First Derby (3/20/2016) – Etihad Stadium
Everyone remembers their first and there is no doubt that holds true with Marcus Rashford. In his first derby, a game that then manager Louis van Gaal labeled ‘do or die’, it only took the 18-year-old until the 16th minute to find the back of the net. Rashford has been quoted as saying this is his favorite goal he has ever scored for United. It would wind up sealing the win as the only goal of the match.
4. Manchester City Title Delay (4/7/2018) – Etihad Stadium
Two City goals in a 5-minute span in the first half. Two Paul Pogba goals in 2 minutes in the second half. Smalling added another United goal in the 69th minute to delay City’s title another week.
5. 4th Derby of the Season (3/8/2020) – Old Trafford
The away team won the previous 3 derby matches of the season with United winning the first league game and the teams splitting the League Cup Semi-Final matches. The scoring opened in the first half with a brilliant volley from Marial off a Bruno free kick. The second United goal came from an awful throw by Ederson that Scott McTominay finished from long distance. This was the only time the home team won out of the four that season. No game at Old Trafford has had fans since.
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