5 best Manchester Derby in Dubai Sheikh Era

When I became a Manchester United fan in mid 1990s, I was always excited for Manchester United – Liverpool, Manchester United – New Castle United and Manchester United- Arsenal matches. Later one more fixture (Manchester United - Chelsea) was added in this list in Abramovich era. Manchester Derby never came in my mind. City was relegated from Premier league in 1996 and then again they face relegation from 2^nd division in 1998. Can you imagine that City was playing in 3^rd division in England in 1998-99? They won two back to back promotions and were back in 1^st division 2000-01 season but was again relegated in the same year. But after that City again won promotion in 2002 and they have stayed back in premier League. So, as a new United fan in 90s I was not concerned for a relegation zone team and even in 2000s they remained a bottom half team.

Gradually when I became aware about United history and the when gulf money flew in City, I started taking keen interest in Manchester Derby. We have seen some fantastic derby matches in last decade. Who can forget the 6-1 humiliation of United by City in front of their home crowd in 2011 or Rooney bicycle kick or Michel Owen injury time winner in 2009? Manchester United were the dominant team throughout Premier league era but City has dominated the derby in last 5-6 years. This week’s derby is very important for both teams.It’s the fight for 4^th position and last Champions league place. United can progress to champions League via Europa League but City has to fight in the premier league.

Let us look at the five of the best Manchester derbies of last decade or Dubai Sheikh Era (I will not talk about past derby matches like the greatest derby match on 1974 when United was relegated after loss to City) –

• ·        Manchester United 4 – Manchester City 3, September 2009

This was the first local derby after City had spent more than 100 million pounds but United was also in their prime. In one of the classic derby match, United took lead three times and City leveled the score thrice. But Rayan Gigg’s superb pass found Michael Owen in 96^th minute and Owen scored a memorable winner in dying seconds.

• ·        Manchester United 1 -  Manchester City 6, October 2011

That season was a classic Premier league season in which both local rivals started to dominate the league from August itself. City was scoring heavily and United had recently delimited Arsenal 8-2. This was expected to be a high goal scoring match from both side. But it turned to be a one sided match. Mario Balotelli gave city the lead in 22nd minute and famously celebrated by brandishing a t-shirt with “Why Always Me? And the rest was history. The season also ended in climax when Aguero scored an injury time goal to give City title on basis of superior goal difference over United.

• ·        Manchester United 2 - Manchester City 1, Feb 2011

This match will always be remembered for the famous bicycle kick by Wyane Rooney. The score was 1-1 with 13 minutes to go and Rooney produced the master class and City goal keeper Hart didn’t even flinch. This was perhaps the greatest goal scored by Rooney in Red-Shirt.

• ·        Manchester City 4 -  Manchester United 1, Sept 2013

This was the post Ferguson era for United. David Moyes was the new boss of defending Champion and his first derby match ended in total humiliation. City was 4-0 up after the interval and a late free kick goal from Rooney was a mere consolation. It was the pattern for United in that season and they failed to qualify for Champions League for 1st time in Premier League era and City won the 2nd league title in just 3 season.

• ·        Manchester City 2 -  Manchester United 3, Dec 2012

That summer, City’s manager Mancini wanted to buy then Arsenal captain Robin van Persi but he lost Van Persi to United. Air Alex Ferguson purchased Van Persi from Arsenal as his side had lost last year’s title on goal difference. Rooney scored two early goals to give United a lead of 2 goals but City equalized in 86^th minute and the match was heading to draw. But the new United striker Van Persi scored a winner in 92^nd minute. Van Persi went on to become the scorer of the league that season and United won the title by 11 points.

There have been many memorable derby matches in last decade and it was difficult to select the best five. But I have tried my best to select top 5 derby matches.