The Manchester derby is never just another match. City vs United has always carried extra weight – whether it's about league position, local pride or bragging rights. It's also a fixture where past moments shape how fans and pundits view the game today, and even how Manchester United vs Man City odds stack up ahead of kick-off.
Over the years, this rivalry has delivered matches that won't be forgotten. Here are some of the greatest derbies ever played.
Manchester United 0–1 Manchester City (April 1974)
This is the derby that still stings most for United fans.
Late in the 1973–74 season, United were fighting relegation. City arrived at Old Trafford knowing a win could push their rivals closer to the drop. The match itself was tense and tight, with neither side able to take control.
Then came the moment that defined the rivalry for generations. Denis Law – a United legend – scored the only goal for City, backheeling past Alex Stepney. Law famously refused to celebrate, aware of what the goal meant.
United were relegated days later, ending their 36-year run in the top flight. While results elsewhere confirmed their fate, this match became symbolic. It wasn't just a loss. It was a turning point in Manchester football history, wrapped in irony, emotion and lasting bitterness.
Manchester City 5–1 Manchester United (September 1989)
This derby came at a moment of renewed optimism for City, who'd just been promoted back to the top flight.
Played at Maine Road, City tore through a United side that never recovered from an early onslaught. David Oldfield opened the scoring, Paul Moulden added two, and goals from Tony Morley and David White completed the rout.
For City fans, it was a statement result early in the season – proof they belonged back at the top level. For United, it was a humbling afternoon that showed the derby doesn't care much for reputation or form.
Manchester United 4–3 Manchester City (September 2009)
City arrived at Old Trafford under new ownership, with summer signings that showed their ambition. United responded by refusing to budge. Wayne Rooney opened the scoring, only for City to hit back through Gareth Barry before Darren Fletcher restored United's lead early in the second half.
The game never settled. Momentum swung repeatedly as both sides pushed forward. Late on, Craig Bellamy struck twice to put City 3–2 ahead deep into stoppage time, apparently sealing the result.
Then came the controversial finale. With the clock well past the allotted time, Michael Owen found space in the box and scored a dramatic winner in the 96th minute.
Manchester United 1–6 Manchester City (October 2011)
City took United apart at Old Trafford in a result that few inside the stadium could believe.
Mario Balotelli's opening goal – and his now-famous "Why Always Me?" celebration – became the image most associated with the day, but it was only part of what happened. City were sharper, quicker and more composed throughout, pressing high and moving the ball with confidence. United couldn't live with City's intensity. The scoreline said it all.
Manchester United 4–2 Manchester City (April 2015)
United came into this derby knowing it'd been more than two years since they'd last beaten City, with no wins against their rivals since December 2012. That added edge showed from the opening minutes.
United moved into a 2–0 lead before City pulled one back, keeping things alive. The defining moment came midway through the second half when Wayne Rooney produced an acrobatic overhead kick that instantly entered derby history.
City continued to push, but United managed the closing stages well to secure a 4–2 win that felt bigger than the scoreline suggested. It's results like these that remind us why football betting markets always generate so much interest – this fixture has a history of defying expectations.
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