da 888casino： The Manchester derby returns this weekend, and in a fixture that rarely disappoints we look set for another cracking encounter as the battle for second place intensifies.
da luck： It was hard to envisage United going into this game ahead of City in the table just a few weeks ago, but after three away defeats on the spin the defending champions have not only seen their title hopes end, but are now involved in a scrap just to ensure a top-four finish.
Meanwhile, a resurgent Manchester United have enjoyed impressive victories over Liverpool and Tottenham in recent weeks, ensuring they head into their latest clash as slight favourites to continue their winning run it what promises to be an intriguing encounter.
And if it’s anything like some of their previous matches, we really could be in for a treat. Here are five memorable derby moments from Premier League encounters that will wet the appetite ahead of their crucial clash on Sunday…
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April 2001 – Roy’s revenge
Four years after being accused of feigning injury by Alf-Inge Haaland in a game against Leeds, Roy Keane got his revenge with a horror tackle on the Norwegian when the pair came head to head once more in the Manchester derby.
Keane had in fact injured his cruciate ligament that day at Elland Road, and the reaction of Haaland began a long-standing feud between the pair.
The United skipper made sure he got his own back in April 2001 with a knee-high tackle that duly earned him a red card and the satisfactory opportunity to stand over the City man shouting abuse at him. The tables had turned.
Keane received a hefty fine and five-match ban following revelations he made about the incident in his book and says he has no regrets about the incident and admitted wanting to hurt his opponent.
While Haaland never completed another full game again and was forced to retire in July 2003, it was problems with his other knee that put an end to his career.
As for the game itself, United still managed a 1-1 draw with Paul Scholes also missing a penalty.
September 2009 – Owen becomes a United hero
One of the best Manchester derby’s in the Premier League era saw former Liverpool man Michael Owen become a United hero with an injury time winner as the sides played out a dramatic encounter.
The meeting centred around Carlos Tevez after the Argentine had made the switch from Old Trafford to the Etihad in the summer. And having come from behind three times in the game, it appeared that Craig Bellamy’s 90th minute equaliser was enough to earn the noisy neighbours a share of the spoils.
But Ferdinand’s blushes were spared when Ryan Giggs picked out Owen with a wonderful pass, which the striker duly despatched to give his side a priceless victory.
February 2011 – Wayne’s wonder goal
United’s 2-1 victory in the derby back in 2011 will be remembered for one outstanding goal from Wayne Rooney that will live long in the memory.
Sir Alex Ferguson suggested that it was the best goal of managerial reign at Old Trafford and it’s hard to argue against him.
Nani had given the home side the lead, before David Silva equalised with a deflected effort. But Rooney’s moment of magic won the game as his superb overhead kick found its way into the top corner much to the delight of the home crowd.
Arguably the greatest derby goal ever scored and one that helped secure another league title for the Red Devils.
October 2011 – Why always me?
Manchester City inflicted United’s worst home defeat since way back in February 1955 when they ran riot at Old Trafford pulling off a shock 6-1 victory.
Two goals from Mario Balotelli either side of half-time set them on their way, before a late collapse from the hosts saw them ship three goals beyond the 90th minute after Johnny Evans had earlier been sent off.
The most poignant image of the day belong to Balotelli who revealed a message under his shirt reading “why always me?” after make in the news prior to the game for setting his house on fire with fireworks.
The victory helped City in their quest for a maiden Premier League crown, and first league title since 1968.
December 2012 – RVP has the final word
Having beat City to the signing of Robin van Persie the previous summer, United rubbed further salt into the wound when they left the Etihad with a 3-2 victory thanks to an injury time winner from the man himself.
A couple of early goals had given the visitors a 2-0 lead but further strikes from Yaya Toure and then Pablo Zabaleta in the 86th minute looked to have rescued a point for the defending Premier League champions.
However typical of his season, RVP had the final say by scoring the winner thanks to a deflected free-kick that found it’s way into the corner of the net past the helpless Joe Hart.
United went on to win the title once more with Van Persie instrumental to their success that season.