Top 5 Manchester United's Shock Wins Against Manchester City: Unforgettable Derby Moments

This year marks 20 years since we first played Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, following their exit from Maine Road. Over the years we have enjoyed some historic wins in East Manchester, with the derby conjuring up some pleasant memories for United fans. The Manchester derby is one of if not the most important fixtures in the calendar. The city goes head-to-head to lay claim to Manchester’s colour, red or blue. Here are five of the best Premier League wins experienced at the home of our rivals, starting with the very first one...

OUR FIRST WIN AT THE ETIHAD

In 2005, at only our second attempt, United won for the first time at Eastlands, originally built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, thanks to Wayne Rooney's deflected strike and a Richard Dunne own goal. It was a very scrappy win at the time but one which retained United’s spot as kings of the city. It was the first of many wins at the new ground. This victory, on February 13th, 2005, kept the pressure on leaders Chelsea, showcasing United's dominance even in a fiercely contested match.

RASHFORD BURSTS ONTO THE SCENE

Everybody remembers when Marcus Rashford broke into United's first team, with his electric pace and finishing. On March 20, 2016, he dribbled past Martin Demichelis with ease and slotted past Joe Hart to get the one and only goal of the game, after 13 minutes. His strong record against City has continued from this point, with the Wythenshawe-born Red having scored six against them over the years. Rashford's goal was more than just a victory; it was a statement, marking the arrival of a young star onto the Premier League scene.

POGBA LEADS COMEBACK

It was 2-0 to City at half-time on April 7, 2018, and the title celebrations were already beginning, but up stepped Paul Pogba (2) and Chris Smalling to spoil the party. It looked as if the Blues had wrapped up their Premier League title, but some Jose Mourinho motivation helped us on our way to our first and only comeback from two goals down at the Etihad to date. Although City ended up winning the league, the fact that they could not do it against us was something that would have irritated them. This comeback wasn't just about the win; it was a symbol of United's resilience and refusal to surrender, even against a seemingly insurmountable opponent.

SCHOLES' LATE GOAL

During an intense title race with Chelsea in 2010, we faced City away with only four games to go. A draw would have all but consigned the Reds to second place, and with the clock reaching stoppage time, it looked as if a scoreless draw was on the cards. Paul Scholes came up trumps with a 93rd-minute header following Patrice Evra's cross, to sink the hosts and in turn effectively end their top-four hopes. The April 17, 2010, match showcased Scholes' late-game heroics and underscored the importance of every moment in a title race. The goal wasn't just a victory; it was a testament to experience and determination under intense pressure.

RVP AT THE DEATH

Scholes’ winner was not the only time we nicked it late on in M11. In even more dramatic fashion, Robin van Persie nailed home a free-kick in injury time to bring the points back to Old Trafford in early December 2012. City thought they had stolen a draw, after coming back from 2-0 down to level it, but up stepped RvP to send the travelling Reds into delirium. The Dutchman's late effort put United six points clear at the top of the league at the time, setting us well on our way to a 13th Premier League title. Van Persie's last-minute goal wasn't simply a goal; it was a pivotal moment in a title-winning campaign, a testament to the team's mettle and his individual brilliance.

Ruben is asked about Jonny Evans, while City have a suspension issue to deal with. See what the boss had to say about Sunday's Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium. EXCLUSIVE Q&A | Ruben on the electricity and belief heading into his first Manchester derby... Match preview: Crystal Palace v United Women. The Manchester derby remains one of the most fiercely contested and captivating fixtures in English football, a spectacle that continues to enthrall fans worldwide. The rivalry, steeped in history and intense passion, ensures that each encounter is filled with electrifying energy and unpredictable twists. These five victories stand as shining examples of the drama and unexpected turns that define this iconic clash. These wins highlight the unpredictable nature of the Manchester derby and Manchester United's capacity to deliver stunning victories, even against their seemingly dominant rivals. The legacy of these matches is ingrained in the history of the Manchester derby, ensuring the rivalry's enduring appeal and captivating allure for fans.