Manchester United and Manchester City have been fighting over bragging rights in their city for more than a century. What makes their rivalry so special, however, is how precipitously it has changed. Once United-dominated, the tables have turned over the last two decades, as City has become a football force to be reckoned with. Not only has this changed Manchester’s dynamics but also the shape of English football.
From derby pride to iconic goals and history-making battles, the Manchester Derby has it all. In this article, the development of the intense rivalry is discussed, football’s rich past in Manchester, and the key moments that have cemented it as one of football’s greatest ever confrontations.
The Shifting Dynamics in Manchester
For decades, United was Manchester’s undisputed king. Under the reign of great Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils dominated English football, bagging title after title with City in their shade. Victory for United was a sour taste for many City supporters. They had the occasional high spot, but their team never properly challenged United at the top.
All of that changed in 2008. When Sheikh Mansour acquired Manchester City, he poured enormous amounts of money into the club. Star players were signed, world-class managers were appointed, and overnight, the blue side of Manchester was no longer in the shadows—it was in the spotlight. The 2011-12 season was a turning point in City’s ascendancy. Sergio Agüero’s last-gasp strike against QPR won them their first Premier League title, stealing it from United in the most dramatic way possible. The picture of the scoreboard reading “93:20” became iconic, representing a power shift.
Since then, City have gone from strength to strength, winning a string of league titles under Pep Guardiola. Their dominance has fueled the rivalry more than ever. United, on the other hand, have struggled after Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. Although still a giant club, their displays have been inconsistent, leading to an era where City seem to turn up at the derby as the superior side.
But the thing about football is that nothing stays the same forever. United supporters cling to the hope that their team will be back on top, while City supporters enjoy their current supremacy. The derby is now more unpredictable than ever before, with both sides having world-class players and global support.
Unforgettable Objectives That Defined the Rivalry
Over the years, the Manchester Derby has delivered some of the most thrilling moments in football. Last-minute goals and lovely strikes have all been seen in this great fixture. These are some of the most memorable goals that shaped this classic clash:
Denis Law’s Heartbreaking Backheel (1974)
United great Denis Law found himself in an odd place – representing the side he had made his home, but now in City’s sky blue. His elegant backheel goal sent United to relegation from the First Division. A heartbroken Law hardly celebrated, aware of the effect his goal would have on the club he adored.
Wayne Rooney’s Bicycle Kick (2011)
When people think of the Manchester Derby, one of the first images that comes to mind is Wayne Rooney’s sensational bicycle kick. In a closely fought game, Nani delivered a cross, and Rooney leaped into the air, producing a flawless overhead kick over Joe Hart. Old Trafford exploded, and the goal is one of the greatest in Premier League history.
(Old Trafford is one of the most iconic stadiums in UK, you can read about it in this article.)
Mario Balotelli’s ‘Why Always Me?’ (2011)
In perhaps the most embarrassing loss ever in United history, City smashed them 6-1 at Old Trafford. The match began with a classy finish by Mario Balotelli, who followed up by raising his shirt to expose the now-infamous “Why Always Me?” message. It was an assertion of City’s growing clout, an instance that the fans still bemoan even today.
Sergio Agüero’s 93:20 Iconic Goal (2012)
While not a direct derby match, Agüero’s late goal against QPR on the last day of the 2011-12 season changed the rivalry forever. City took their first Premier League title, robbing United of it. The pure drama of the moment created one of the most iconic goals in footballing history.
Vincent Kompany’s Bullet Header (2012)
In another title-deciding match, City skipper Vincent Kompany stood above all others to head the ball past United’s goalkeeper. The 1-0 victory positioned City at the top of the league, and the goal became a symbol of their dominance and power.
Paul Pogba’s Stunning Comeback (2018)
City was about to seal the title against United when Paul Pogba had other plans. He netted twice in a row to turn 2-0 down into victory by 3-2. It was the reminder that whatever had become Manchester City’s strength, United remained capable of brewing derby magic.
Manchester’s Football Frenzy and City Pride
Manchester is not merely any football city—it is a football city where the sport is part of the culture. Whether one is strolling down Deansgate, grabbing a coffee in the Northern Quarter, or traveling on the tram to the Etihad or Old Trafford, conversations about football surround you. As opposed to some rivalries based primarily on geography, the Manchester Derby is based on identity, history, and long-standing city pride.
Historically, United was the world superclub, with supporters everywhere. City, however, was a local club, with a hard-core support that remained loyal to them even during their worst moments. This has shifted with City’s success. They have expanded their worldwide support, and their success has drawn in new generations of fans. This has given a new dimension to the rivalry—United supporters blame City for “buying success,” and City supporters say United is holding on to glories past.
But through all of these arguments, there is one constant: the passion. Whether it’s an Old Trafford with 75,000 spectators or a thumping Etihad Stadium, the derby match is always electric. These are not just about the points—they’re about pride, about who gets to walk around the city with their head held high the next day.
The Everlasting Battle for Manchester
The Manchester Derby is a battle of identity, pride and supremacy in one of the greatest footballing cities on the planet. While United ruled for decades, City has emerged as a contemporary football giant, and hence the rivalry has become fiercer than ever before. With both teams having extraordinary talent and global popularity, the derby still delivers moments of ecstasy that enthrall fans globally.
As football itself keeps on changing, so too will this derby. Will United restore their dominance, or will City be the ones to bring about a new Manchester era of football? Whatever the answer, one thing is certain: the Manchester Derby will always be one of football’s greatest spectacles, a clash that brings out the best of the beautiful game.
Want to find out about more iconic football rivalries? Read here about Barcelona and Real Madrid.