🔟 Iconic Recent Manchester Derbies – A Detailed Breakdown
The Manchester Derby has always been one of football’s most electrifying fixtures. Over the last few years, clashes between Manchester United and Manchester City have produced everything: last-minute winners, tactical masterclasses, humiliating defeats, and title-shaping results. Below, we revisit ten of the most compelling recent encounters, analyzing their significance and impact.
1. Manchester City 3–1 Manchester United (March 2024, Premier League)
The Etihad witnessed City’s dominance in this derby. United struck first through Marcus Rashford’s thunderous strike, silencing the home crowd. But City’s response was inevitable. Phil Foden put on a show, equalizing with a curling strike and later adding a second after weaving past defenders. Erling Haaland sealed it with a stoppage-time finish.
- Turning Point: Foden’s equalizer flipped momentum.
- Significance: Cemented City’s title chase, exposed United’s fragility in big games.
2. Manchester United 2–1 Manchester City (January 2023, Premier League, Old Trafford)
One of Erik ten Hag’s defining moments as United manager. City led through Jack Grealish’s header, but the game turned controversial when Bruno Fernandes scored an equalizer despite Marcus Rashford being in an offside position in the build-up. Rashford himself then slotted home the winner minutes later.
- Turning Point: VAR allowing Fernandes’ equalizer sparked debate across England.
- Significance: Proof of United’s resurgence under Ten Hag, sparking hope among fans.
3. Manchester City 6–3 Manchester United (October 2022, Premier League)
An unforgettable demolition at the Etihad. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both scored hat-tricks, tearing United’s defense apart. Antony and Anthony Martial (brace) reduced the deficit late, but the damage was already done.
- Turning Point: Haaland’s first-half double ended United’s hopes early.
- Significance: A statement win announcing Haaland as a new Premier League superstar.
4. Manchester City 4–1 Manchester United (March 2022, Premier League)
City dominated from start to finish. Kevin De Bruyne ran the show with two goals and an assist, completely outclassing United. Riyad Mahrez also added a brace. Jadon Sancho scored for United, but they were outplayed across the pitch.
- Turning Point: De Bruyne’s second goal reasserted control after Sancho’s equalizer.
- Significance: A reminder of the gulf in class between the two sides at that time.
5. Manchester United 0–2 Manchester City (November 2021, Premier League)
A tactical masterclass from Pep Guardiola. United barely had a sniff as City controlled possession with ease. An Eric Bailly own goal and Bernardo Silva’s strike wrapped up a comfortable away win.
- Turning Point: Bailly’s early own goal deflated Old Trafford.
- Significance: Raised serious questions about Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s future — he was sacked weeks later.
6. Manchester City 0–2 Manchester United (March 2021, Premier League)
A rare victory at the Etihad for United. Bruno Fernandes scored an early penalty, and Luke Shaw’s rare goal doubled the lead. City, then on a 21-game winning streak, were stunned as United defended resolutely.
- Turning Point: Shaw’s strike after a sweeping counter-attack.
- Significance: One of Solskjær’s finest tactical wins; ended City’s long unbeaten run.
7. Manchester United 0–2 Manchester City (January 2021, EFL Cup Semi-final)
City advanced to the Carabao Cup final with goals from John Stones and Fernandinho. It was a controlled, disciplined display at Old Trafford, where City neutralized United’s attacking threat.
- Turning Point: Stones’ opener from a set-piece.
- Significance: Showcased City’s ability to win ugly; they went on to lift the cup.
8. Manchester United 2–0 Manchester City (March 2020, Premier League)
Just before COVID lockdown, Old Trafford erupted. Anthony Martial scored from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick routine, and Scott McTominay sealed it with a long-range strike in stoppage time after an Ederson error.
- Turning Point: Martial’s clever finish gave United belief.
- Significance: The double over City in 2019–20 season boosted Solskjær’s popularity.
9. Manchester City 1–2 Manchester United (December 2019, Premier League)
United stunned the Etihad with a blistering counter-attacking performance. Marcus Rashford scored from the spot, Anthony Martial doubled the lead, and despite Nicolas Otamendi’s late header, City couldn’t recover.
- Turning Point: Rashford winning and converting the penalty early on.
- Significance: Classic counter-punching United display against Pep’s possession football.
10. Manchester United 3–2 Manchester City (April 2018, Premier League)
One of the greatest derbies of all time. City were on course to clinch the title with a win and led 2–0 through Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gündogan. But Paul Pogba inspired a famous comeback with two goals in two minutes, and Chris Smalling completed the turnaround.
- Turning Point: Pogba’s quick brace stunned the Etihad.
- Significance: Denied City the chance to win the title against their fiercest rivals.
⚽ Trends Across These Matches
- City’s Rise in Dominance: Since Pep Guardiola arrived, City have often been the superior side, dominating possession and creating more chances.
- United’s Counter-Attack Weapon: United’s best results came when they exploited City’s high defensive line with Rashford, Martial, or Fernandes.
- Key Players: Foden, De Bruyne, Haaland for City; Rashford, Fernandes, and Pogba (in past years) for United.
- Title Implications: Many derbies had direct consequences for the Premier League race or United’s managerial situations.
This list shows that the Manchester Derby is not just about goals — it’s about pride, bragging rights, and moments that define eras. From Pogba’s legendary Etihad comeback to Haaland’s breathtaking hat-tricks, the last few years have ensured this rivalry remains one of football’s fiercest spectacles.