Derby Day Memories: Manchester City vs Manchester United, 6th April 1996

Manchester United travel to the Etihad for another big Manchester Derby this Saturday. We take a look at some of United’s most memorable wins over Manchester City in the Premier League era on the road.

First up, is way back in 1996. Manchester United were sitting pretty at the top of the table, three points clear of Newcastle hoping to win their third Premier League title in four years. Contrastingly, Manchester City were just four points above the drop in their seventh consecutive season in England’s top flight.

Therefore, victory for either side could prove pivotal in helping diminish both clubs aims for the season. United – win the championship. City – avoid relegation.

The match report

Manchester United started the game the better. Dennis Irwin played a one-two with Roy Keane down the left, driving into the penalty area. The full-back was brought down by Manchester City’s Nicky Sumerbee and the referee pointed to the spot.

The King, Eric Cantona tucked away the spot kick. Sending the keeper the wrong making it 1-0 with only seven minutes on the clock. United continued their pressure as David Beckham picked out Andy Cole in the box who couldn’t finish as the ball wouldn’t drop for him.

However, the hosts hit back. Naill Quinn nodded the ball down to Mikhail Kavelashvili from a cross. Kavelashvili, on his debut, was quickest to react and slotted past Schmeichel.

But United responded within no time. After a lovely flowing move built right from the back, Andy Cole played sharp give-and-go with Cantona. Cole, one-on-one with the keeper, passed it into the bottom right with his left foot. The goal meant Sir Alex Ferguson’s men went in 2-1 up at the break.

City started to dominate proceedings in the second half. And their top goalscorer Uwe Rosler deservedly pulled them back level. The German winger ran at Steve Bruce, cutting in on his right and powering past the stretched Peter Schmeichel.

It only took United eight minutes before they regained the lead. Cantona involved again, as he ran at the City defence. Waiting for bodies to commit before slotting through Ryan Giggs on the left. The Welsh wizard took one touch to get the ball out of his feet and then blasted it into the top corner of the City net. The referee’s whistle brought proceedings to a close as a magnificent Manchester Derby finished 3-2 to the Reds.

What happened next…

We chose this in the top five, because of the contrasting ends to both Manchester clubs seasons. Manchester City desperately needed a win to avoid dropping deeper into trouble. However, after the loss in the Derby, they only won two of their remaining fixtures concluding in them being relegated from the first division for the first time since 1987.

Alternatively, Manchester United claimed their third Premier League title in four years after going on to win four of their remaining five games. The title was Manchester United’s third Premier League title and under Sir Alex Ferguson – their 10th top-flight crown. Manchester United also went on to win the FA Cup, becoming the first English team to win the double twice.

Stay tuned to Red Devil Armada tomorrow for our next ‘Derby Day Memories’.

Next: Derby Day Memories: Manchester City vs Manchester United, 5th May 2007