The Manchester derby is only a day away and both sides are itching to get onto the field and gain the upper hand in the title race.
Manchester United vs Manchester City is bound to a feisty affair with both teams set to go for the jugular from the opening whistle. The two managers Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola too will be raring to go head-to-head for the 17th time.
From Wayne Rooney’s over-head kick in 2011 to Mark Hughes’ unorthodox scissor-kick in the 1990s, this fixture has given us a number of memorable strikes worth cherishing.
Here are ten of the best Manchester derby goals:
10: Aleksander Kolarov (Man City 2-3 Man Utd)
A feisty FA Cup tie saw the giants of Manchester battle it out for a spot in the fourth round of the prestigious competition. United raced into a three goal lead at the break, but City came back fighting in the second half with two goals to give themselves a shot at progression.
The Reds held on to the narrow cushion, but were dazed by this fantastic free-kick by left-back Aleksander Kolarov.
9: Danny Welbeck (Man United 3-2 Man City)
In the same game, Welbeck scored one of United’s three first half strikes. A pass from Patrice Evra was awfully dealt by the City back line, which saw Welbeck pounce onto the loose ball to slot home an impressive volleyed goal.
8: Robin van Persie (Man Utd 3-2 Man City)
Another game with a 3-2 scoreline and once again it was the Red Devils who emerged victorious. With Zabaleta scoring a late equaliser, it seemed the game would end in a stalemate, but Robin van Persie scored a scorcher of a free-kick in the dying stages to win the game for his side.
Take a look:
7: Pablo Zabaleta (Man City 2-3 Man Utd)
In the same match which Robin van Persie secured all three points from United, City right-back Pablo Zabaleta’s gave City a fighting chance. With the game set to end 2-1 in favour of the Reds, Zabaleta lashed onto the half-volley to level things for City.
Here’s how the Argentine found the back of the net:
6: Nani (Man Utd 3-2 Man City)
Nani was the star of United’s Community Shield triumph over City as he scored the first and third goals in his side’s 3-2 victory. While the third goal won United the trophy, it was the first hit that grabbed the attention of many.
Rooney, Cleverley and Nani played a number of intricate one-touched passes which saw the City defence struggle to get the ball clear. The Portuguese sensation was played an exquisite through ball by Rooney and made no mistake in hitting it past Joe Hart.
5: Sergio Aguero (Man City 2-1 Man Utd)
The Argentine striker scored the winning goal in April 2013 against Manchester United at Old Trafford. A wonderful solo run saw Aguero beat a number of defenders before blasting it past the De Gea in the United goal.
4: Mark Hughes ( Man Utd 2-1 Man City)
Mark Hughes scored a spectacular volley in the 1992/93 season to give United a crucial win over Manchester City.
Take a look:
3: Ian Brightwell (Man City 1 – 1 Man Utd)
With City down by a goal against their cross-town rivals, youngster Ian Brightwell stepped up to the occasion to score an incredible long ranger. He received a pass from his teammate and impeccably timed his left-footed shot into the back of the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance to save it.
2: Mark Hughes (Man Utd 1-5 Man City)
The only player to feature twice in the list is former United and City player Mark Hughes. At the start of the 1989/90 season, City shocked the world when they thumped United by a resounding 5-1 scoreline.
Hughes was the only scorer on the day, but his goal will be remembered for generations and generations to come. Take a look:
1: Wayne Rooney (Man Utd 2-1 Man City)
Probably the greatest ever Manchester derby strike. Wayne Rooney, a player who has the most goals in this fixture, scored one of the finest hits ever in the Premier League era.
The England international received a cross from Nani, found himself in inches of room, and threw himself into the air to apply the finishing touch, leaving Hart with no chance to get his hands on the ball. This scintillating overhead kick is arguably Rooney’s best goal of his career.
