10 Iconic Manchester Derby Moments in Premier League History
- Think Football Ideas
- 2 hours ago
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The Premier League's 10 Iconic Manchester Derby Moments of All-time
While several derbies provide more thrill and tension across English football, the Manchester derby often has its own unique imprint in Premier League history.
Manchester United and Manchester City clashes in the league have consistently produced unforgettable chapters, filled with dramatic finishes, extraordinary goals, and powerful emotions.
Tracing from its breathtaking strikes to fierce confrontations, these encounters highlight the intensity of local pride. They continue to remind both sides, and the football world at large, why this rivalry carries a special place in the game.
Below Are The Premier League's 10 Iconic Manchester Derby Moments of All-time
1. Rooney’s Superb Bicycle-Kick Brilliance (2011)
Wayne Rooney’s bicycle kick remains an enduring symbol of Premier League theatre. With the score delicately poised at Old Trafford, Nani’s delivery flicked off a defender, leaving Rooney to adjust his body mid-air.
His overhead strike in February 2011 sailed into the top corner, stunning Joe Hart and igniting wild celebrations. Sir Alex Ferguson called it the greatest goal he had witnessed at the ground.
The moment lifted United past City 2-1, reenergised their campaign, and ultimately played a decisive role in securing another league title.
2. Mario Balotelli’s Message To The World (2011)
Few players have embodied unpredictability quite like Mario Balotelli, and the Italian forward seized centre stage in remarkable fashion.
He scored the opener during City’s emphatic 6-1 victory at Old Trafford, their largest derby win in the Premier League era.
The goal itself was only part of the story as Balotelli revealed a shirt emblazoned with the words “Why always me?”, instantly creating one of the rivalry’s most enduring images. That afternoon not only marked a humiliation for United but also signalled City’s growing authority.
3. Amad Diallo’s Late Etihad Heroics (2024)
When City seemed destined to close the gap on Liverpool, late drama swung the derby in extraordinary fashion. Josko Gvardiol had powered the hosts into a lead, and Pep Guardiola’s men controlled much of the match.
Yet Amad Diallo’s introduction altered everything. His incisive dribble drew a clumsy challenge, allowing Bruno Fernandes to equalise from the penalty spot.
Moments later, Amad squeezed home a winner from a narrow angle, as he finished off a superb lobbed pass from Lisandro Martinez, which silenced the Etihad. The turnaround handed manager Ruben Amorim his first unforgettable taste of the derby.
4. Michael Owen’s Old Trafford Stoppage-time Strike (2009)
Michael Owen’s move from Newcastle United to Manchester United raised eyebrows given his Liverpool background, but his impact on this occasion ensured his place in club folklore.
A frenetic contest saw City repeatedly fight back, levelling the score three times. In the dying stages, Craig Bellamy’s strike appeared to have earned City a draw. Yet deep into stoppage time, Owen latched onto Ryan Giggs’ pass and slotted past Shay Given.
The 4-3 win highlighted United’s resilience and confirmed the derby’s reputation for unrivalled drama.
5. Scholes Delivers At The Death To Earn A Kiss (2010)
Few players embodied Manchester United’s spirit more than Paul Scholes, and his decisive header at the Etihad proved a perfect example.
As the match seemed destined for a stalemate, the midfielder ghosted into the box and guided Patrice Evra’s cross into the net during stoppage time.
Pandemonium erupted among the travelling fans, while Gary Neville ran to embrace Scholes with an exuberant kiss that quickly became historic.
The narrow 1-0 triumph kept United’s title hopes alive in a fiercely contested race with Chelsea.
6. Vincent Kompany’s Title-turning Header (2012)
The 2011/12 season produced one of the most gripping title battles in Premier League history, and the second Manchester derby of that campaign was pivotal.
With the table balanced, Vincent Kompany rose above the United defence on the stroke of half-time and powered home a header that settled the contest.
City’s 1-0 win propelled them back to the summit on goal difference, swinging momentum decisively. The Belgian captain’s strike set the stage for City’s dramatic last-day triumph, altering Manchester’s football landscape.
7. Munich Anniversary Tribute (2008)
On the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, football paused to honour those who perished.
The occasion saw Old Trafford united in grief and respect, with players wearing special retro kits and supporters observing an impeccable silence. A lone piper led both teams, while wreaths were laid in the centre circle.
Although the Cityzens emerged 2-1 winners through goals from Darius Vassell and Mwaruwari Benjani, the afternoon transcended the result. The sense of shared remembrance created one of the rivalry’s most poignant moments.
8. Pogba powers Mourinho's United’s comeback (2018)
Man City entered this derby knowing victory would crown them champions, and a two-goal lead at half-time seemed to confirm destiny.
Yet the narrative shifted as substitute Paul Pogba spearheaded a stirring second-half response. The Frenchman struck twice in quick succession before Chris Smalling volleyed the decisive goal, sealing a 3-2 comeback.
Jose Mourinho’s side denied their neighbours the satisfaction of clinching the title at their expense. Although City secured the championship soon after, the defiance United displayed on that day added another gripping chapter.
9. Neville’s Cold Shoulder to Peter Schmeichel (2002)
The final derby at Maine Road was memorable not only for the scoreline but also for tension before kick-off. Gary Neville, United’s captain on the day, turned away when Peter Schmeichel extended his hand.
The gesture reflected Neville’s feelings about the former United goalkeeper turning out for their local rivals.
The match itself saw Shaun Goater capitalise on Neville’s defensive lapse, netting twice in a 3-1 victory. For City supporters, it was a cathartic win, ending a long run of derby frustration.
10. Foden and Haaland run riot (2022)
Manchester City’s modern dominance in the derby reached a crescendo in their 6-3 victory at the Etihad.
United had shown signs of resurgence under Erik ten Hag, but their confidence quickly unravelled. By half-time, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland had each scored twice, leaving the visitors reeling.
Both completed hat-tricks in the second period, becoming only the third pair of teammates to achieve the feat in the same Premier League match. Despite late goals from United, the gulf was undeniable.
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