The two Manchester clubs lock horns later today with both Manchester City and Manchester United fully aware of the implications should their rival emerge victoriously.
We decided to look back on five of the most defining moments during the clashes between the two teams:
Roy Keane ends career of Afe-Inge Haaland
One of the most unforgettable events during the Manchester derby saw City’s Haaland career cut short by a nasty tackle from Roy Keane when the two sides played out a 1-1 draw back in April 2001.
Haaland would play just 48 more minutes before a recurring knee problem eventually forced the Norwegian to call a rather hasty end to his football career.
When asked Keane said he had no regrets and insisted it was payback for the way Haaland had abused him when he was playing for Leeds United.
Denis Law relegates former club
Once known as the ‘King of Old Trafford’ after an esteemed career at Manchester United, scoring 236 goals in 11 years, Law later became a villain when he scored a goal that would relegate the Red Devils.
The early 1970s saw the end of an era for United’s dominance as star players like Bobby Charlton and George Best were no longer at Old Trafford and Law’s time as a Red was also nearing it’s conclusion.
The striker subsequently joined City on a free transfer in 1973 and less than 12 months later scored a back heel which saw United crash out of the First Division for the first time in 37 years.
United hit for six at Old Trafford
Manchester United suffered their worst home defeat for more than 56 years when City put their neighbours to the sword with a 6-1 annihilation of Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.
There wasn’t much between the two sides at half-time with City just the one goal in front but a scintillating performance after the break saw the Blues overpower the Red Devils in every area of the field.
That unforgettable day for City was just a small part of a magical season as they would go on to win a first division title for the first time in over four decades.
Former Liverpool man the hero for United
Michael Owen was once a revered figure by United supporters, playing 216 games for arch rivals Liverpool but after joining United in 2009 he would go on to become an instant derby day icon for the Red Devils.
With both teams deadlocked at 3-3 Owen came off the bench to seal a dramatic victory with the winning goal in the sixth minute of injury time.
Then City manager Mark Hughes was absolutely furious after the final whistle, senseless as to how Owen scored a goal so late when there was only supposed to be four minutes of stoppage time.
Rooney becomes a master acrobat
Wayne Rooney scored some spectacular goals during his days at Manchester United but many will rightly agree his overhead kick against City in 2011 is head and shoulders above the rest as far as the derby is concerned.
Rising gallantly to meet Nani’s cross he volleyed the ball with such precision and power that then City goalkeeper Joe Hart was left helpless, the England stopper was bolted to the spot.
The strike proved to be the difference between the teams and continued a rotten run for City at Old Trafford, winning just once in their last 27 visits.
