This season’s first Manchester derby takes place on Wednesday when all eyes will be glued on proceedings at Eastlands.
Local bragging rights are certainly on the menu in the north-west and City and United will be looking to take the plaudits while enhancing their Premier League title ambitions in the process.
Three points for either side will see the pressure reapplied to leaders Chelsea, but a stalemate could see the Londoners extend their grip at the top of the tree.
An electric atmosphere is expected to greet the class-laden teams and an explosive, highly entertaining showdown is before us.
Can Manchester United take the Premier League title away from Chelsea this season? – Latest Football Betting
Historically, the two clubs have produced a number of footballing feasts over the years, combining style and exuberance with guile and energy.
Take last season’s epic at Old Trafford, for example. After Sir Alex Ferguson brought former Liverpool striker Michael Owen to the club, his choice ruffled a few feathers at the club.
But they weren’t ruing his shrewd capture when Owen snatched a last-gasp winner in a 4-3 triumph.
The hosts looked set for a good afternoon last September when Wayne Rooney scored inside two minutes, but Gareth Barry levelled soon after.
Darren Fletcher restored his team’s lead soon after the interval, but Craig Bellamy shocked the hosts once again moments later.
Midfield man Fletcher secured his brace with ten minutes to go and, with the contest approaching stoppage time, Bellamy responded with a stunning effort from distance.
But there was still time for Ryan Giggs to find Owen, who stabbed an accurate shot beyond the despairing dive of Shay Given to raise the Old Trafford roof.
Back in 1974, on April 27 to be exact, it proved to be a dark day on the red side of Manchester.
United’s fall from grace was complete when they dropped into the old Second Division on home soil, but what was more memorable was the scorer of the goal that sent them down.
Former Red Devil and Holy Trinity meber Denis Law was the culprit as his back-heeled effort ensured City claimed a 1-0 success. The Scot refused to celebrate his effort, a image that lives long in the memory.
They used to shout ‘feed the Goat and he will score,’ well, Shaun Goater produced the goods in the final derby clash at Maine Road in 2002.
City went ahead thanks to Nicolas Anelka after his compatriot Fabien Barthez offered a helping hand, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer levelled.
However, Kevin Keegan and his men were not to be undone as the former Rotherham United forward bagged a brace, sparking scenes of delirium in City’s old stamping ground.
